How Coronavirus is Transmitted and how to avoid it

Coronavirus transmission can occur from person to person, as well as from animal to person, therefore, it is important that preventive measures be taken, such as washing hands, avoiding contact with people who may be infected, and avoiding closed environments and with many people. 

Coronavirus is a family of viruses responsible for respiratory disorders, mainly the flu. However, when the coronavirus is transmitted from an animal to a person, the symptoms of the infection are more severe, and there may be a respiratory failure, mainly in individuals who already have a compromised immune system, as is the case with the type of coronavirus discovered in the today, called COVID-19. Learn more about the coronavirus.

How the Transmission Occurs

Coronavirus transmission occurs very easily and can be transmitted through contact with animals or people infected by the virus. In the case of transmission between people, infection by the virus can occur through the inhalation of drops of saliva and respiratory secretions that are present in the air when the person infected by the virus speaks, coughs or sneezes.

In the case of the new type of circulating coronavirus COVID-19, several cases of infected people have been confirmed, so the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a state of international emergency, having to adopt new measures to avoid spreading the virus.

Also, transmission can occur even if the person has no symptoms, that is, during the incubation period, which corresponds to the period in which the virus multiplies in the body.

How to Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus

To prevent coronavirus infection, it is recommended to take protective measures to prevent the spread of the virus, such as:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, mainly after coming into contact with people who suffer from the virus or who suspect it;
• Avoid closed environments and with many people, in these environments, the virus can spread more easily and reach a greater number of people;
• Wear personal protective masks to cover the nose and mouth and prevent both transmission and infection. In regions with a higher risk of infection and for health professionals who care for people with suspected coronavirus, the use of N95, N100, FFP2 or FFP3 masks is recommended;
• Avoid contact with wild animals or that appear to be sick since transmission can occur between animals and people;
• Avoid sharing personal items that may contain drops of saliva, for example, cutlery and glasses.

In addition, as a way to prevent transmission, WHO is developing and implementing measures to monitor suspicion and cases of coronavirus infection, so that the virulence of the virus and the transmission mechanism are addressed. See other ways to protect yourself from the coronavirus.