It's being treated with airborne isolation precautions (and strict isolation for that matter [PAPRs which are more effective than N95s, gown, gloves, shoe covers, 1:1 nurse to patient ratio, etc.) which means the viral particles are capable of traveling more than three feet in air. Some airborne diseases are more contagious than others, however I don't know where this falls in relation to others. But, in theory, if you've shared air (especially in an area with little to no air circulation) with an infected person, you've been exposed. I have close friends who work at UCDMC, and did clinical rotations there while in school, so somewhat familiar with what sort of precautions would be taking place. Also live just a couple of blocks away, so I'll let you all know how the symptoms present when I get it. Fingers crossed. Edit: Basically, best infection prevention methods are hand hygiene. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water. It's the mechanical action (friction) of hand washing that rids your hands of microorganisms, but some soaps are capable of weakening the cell membrane of the virus and rendering it incapable of reproduction. Also, don't shake hands with people, don't touch your face, or rub your eyes without having washed your hands first. Third, washing your hands is more effective than hand sanitizers.
I saw an interview with Sanjay Gupta on CNN today where he said that there have been studies that have shown coronaviruses to be capable of living on the surface of an object for some period of time. He wasn't suggesting that it would be a major avenue of transmission. He emphasized that the primary driver of transmission is airborn virus particles produced by an infected individual (e.g. cough).
I've read the same, although I don't know for how long. Although, that's pretty common with microorganisms. We are in the preliminary phase of gathering research and information about the virus (most of which is coming out of China) which is a big part of the extreme measures taking place. As with most forms of airborne transmission diseases, the most common and easiest way of becoming infected is by respiratory transmission, but you can still get it by picking it up on your hands and then rubbing your eyes, transmitting it onto food, etc. Again, wash your hands.
Also just want to point out there's likely to be a major shortage of N95 masks, so take precautions as needed. My hospital is already discontinuing N95s for health care workers working with airborne isolation patients and switching to PAPRs (Powered Air Purifying Respirators) exclusively to prepare for this. Avoid crowded areas if possible, call your primary health care provider if you do have symptoms so you don't unnecessarily expose everyone in the Emergency Department or your urgent care.
I would if I were traveling. But then again, I'm extra cautious. (FYI, if you have a history of heart problems, check with your doctor before wearing them as wearing an N95 can create a buildup of CO2 in your mask.)
If/when this really takes off, will there be enough N95s to go around. There may be a shortage, right?
I heard on NPR a couple of days ago that Chinese-Americans are buying them out pretty much wherever they can to send back to family in China. They had a soundclip of a dude who works at Home Depot saying they have people coming in and being like "I need 25 cases"
A year and a half ago during all of the fires in Northern California when the air quality index was measured as the dirtiest in the world at the time, I remember N95s being sold out in most places I went. Imagine that going on not just at a local level, but on a national level. It's a good time to have bought stock in 3M low.
I don't have the slightest clue about the production line but considering the amount of demand, going with highly doubtful there will be a shortage.
That’s not good. I came to ask if there was anything reported in India yet. Can’t believe we haven’t heard of one case from there.
Or Russia. At least, I haven't heard anything about Russia. Also North Korea has been AWFUL quiet lately