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One thing has perplexed me about this virus and that is putting the evacuees in a confined space (airplane) when they are all potential carriers. I don't have a solution. It just struck me as odd. It's like they tripled their chances of getting sick.
One thing has perplexed me about this virus and that is putting the evacuees in a confined space (airplane) when they are all potential carriers. I don't have a solution. It just struck me as odd. It's like they tripled their chances of getting sick.
Q: Is there a risk of becoming contaminated with the virus on a plane?
A: The risk of catching a serious viral infection on an aircraft is low. The air supply to a modern airliner is very different from a movie theatre or an office building. The air is a combination of fresh air and recirculated air, about half each. The recirculated air goes through filters of the exact same type that we use in surgical operating theatres. That supplied air is guaranteed to be 99.97 per cent (or better) free of viruses and other particles. So the risk, if there is one, does not come from the supplied air. It comes from other people.
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Q: What are the chances of getting the virus by touching the seats, armrest or any of the objects on a plane?
A: Viruses and other microbes like to live on living surfaces like us. Just shaking hands with somebody will be a greater risk by far than some dry surface that has no biological material on it.
The survival of viruses on surfaces isn't great, so it's believed that normal cleaning, and then the extra cleaning in the event that someone was discovered to be contagious, is the appropriate procedure. Will people stop getting together inside an airplane?
I would respond by asking: Will I stop going to the movies, or sports games, or concerts or conferences? I don't think so.
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Q: What's important if you are on a plane to ensure you don't get infected?
A: Hand hygiene - because contrary to what people think, the hands are the way that these viruses most efficiently spread. Top of the list is frequent hand washing, hand sanitising, or both. Avoid touching your face. If you cough or sneeze, it's important to cover your face with a sleeve. Better yet, a tissue to be disposed of carefully, and then sanitising the hands afterward. Washing your hands and drying them is the best procedure. When that's not easy to do, an alcohol-based sanitiser is a good second-best.
I wonder how long the coronavirus can last in open air, even an elevator, let's say someone infected was there briefly and then hours later, does the germs linger or are they harmless by then? Someone told me that being in an elevator where someone with the flu bug was in, can expose them to the flu, even colds, I think. So, if we were in the elevator, we just try not to breathe?
I wonder how long the coronavirus can last in open air, even an elevator, let's say someone infected was there briefly and then hours later, does the germs linger or are they harmless by then? Someone told me that being in an elevator where someone with the flu bug was in, can expose them to the flu, even colds, I think. So, if we were in the elevator, we just try not to breathe?
"The analysis of 22 studies reveals that human coronaviruses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) coronavirus, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus or endemic human coronaviruses (HCoV) can persist on inanimate surfaces like metal, glass or plastic for up to 9 days, but can be efficiently inactivated by surface disinfection procedures with 62-71% ethanol, 0.5% hydrogen peroxide or 0.1% sodium hypochlorite within 1 minute."
Being in the confines of an elevator with someone with the virus would risk exposure. Take the stairs, maybe?
The virus does not appear to stay suspended in the air for long periods the way measles can.
"While we don’t yet understand the particulars of how this virus spreads, coronaviruses usually spread through droplets containing large particles that typically can only be suspended in the air for three to six feet before dissipating. By contrast, measles or varicella (chickenpox) spread through smaller droplets over much greater distances."
The risk from an elevator with no other passengers in it would be from touching surfaces, including the call buttons.
If the virus becomes widespread here the best bet is to stay home if possible. Otherwise, do not touch your face, wash hands often and use an alcohol based hand sanitizer - often - if soap and water are not available.
The value of a mask would be mostly as a reminder not to touch your face.
"The analysis of 22 studies reveals that human coronaviruses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) coronavirus, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus or endemic human coronaviruses (HCoV) can persist on inanimate surfaces like metal, glass or plastic for up to 9 days, but can be efficiently inactivated by surface disinfection procedures with 62-71% ethanol, 0.5% hydrogen peroxide or 0.1% sodium hypochlorite within 1 minute."
Being in the confines of an elevator with someone with the virus would risk exposure. Take the stairs, maybe?
The virus does not appear to stay suspended in the air for long periods the way measles can.
"While we don’t yet understand the particulars of how this virus spreads, coronaviruses usually spread through droplets containing large particles that typically can only be suspended in the air for three to six feet before dissipating. By contrast, measles or varicella (chickenpox) spread through smaller droplets over much greater distances."
The risk from an elevator with no other passengers in it would be from touching surfaces, including the call buttons.
If the virus becomes widespread here the best bet is to stay home if possible. Otherwise, do not touch your face, wash hands often and use an alcohol based hand sanitizer - often - if soap and water are not available.
The value of a mask would be mostly as a reminder not to touch your face.
Thank you so much, suzy_q for the very helpful information! I wanted to rep you again, but the system wouldn't let me. I have always wondered about being in the elevator, especially in hospitals, of which I have spent a lot of time lately due to a sick relative, who thankfully is on the mend now and back home. I think you have the right advice about taking the stairs - bacteria/viruses can last up to 9 hours, very scary! The second article saids that the coronavirus was even found in people's poop ugh, public bathrooms! Feel like someone should come up with a less confining hazmat suit, maybe just for regular people to get around outside. Well, I think I will be taking the stairs, maybe a good idea as that is a very excellent form of exercise, just wash hands after touching the stair railings. Thanks again, suzy_q!!!
Masks are of little or no value with this virus. Hand washing is the best deterrent to getting it. Be careful not to wipe your eyes with dirty hands as the virus (and so much more) can get into the body via this route. There is a lot of misinformation and hysteria associated with this virus. Use common sense and practice good basic hygiene.
Masks are of little or no value with this virus. Hand washing is the best deterrent to getting it. Be careful not to wipe your eyes with dirty hands as the virus (and so much more) can get into the body via this route. There is a lot of misinformation and hysteria associated with this virus. Use common sense and practice good basic hygiene.
It is easy to remember the hand washing part, it is hard to remember to keep your hands away from your face.
Slightly paranoid about airborne transmission so I got a pack of el cheapo masks from dollar tree and threw in the trunk of the car if things get bad. Have always consistently washed hands before eating and don't touch face....use hand sanitizer if no access to bathroom. Supposedly hand washing (or hand sanitizer) is the most important thing you can do to prevent cold and flu.
Slightly paranoid about airborne transmission so I got a pack of el cheapo masks from dollar tree and threw in the trunk of the car if things get bad. Have always consistently washed hands before eating and don't touch face....use hand sanitizer if no access to bathroom. Supposedly hand washing (or hand sanitizer) is the most important thing you can do to prevent cold and flu.
I can tell you that working in a space with no access to sinks and only hand sanitizer resulted in about the sickest place I’ve ever been. The issue in that situation is that everyone touching surfaces also has no access to a sink, so unless every surface, knob, etc, is also sanitized regularly, it is hard to avoid getting sick.
Newer cruise ships have gotten better with hand wash stations in the buffet area. Some combine with sanitizers.
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