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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsDoes Coronavirus Live on Surfaces -- and What's the Risk of Infection?
Health
Does Coronavirus Live on Surfaces and Whats the Risk of Infection?
Some experts say measures such as sanitizing your groceries are overkill. Just make sure to wash your hands instead.
By Kate Golembiewski
April 1, 2020 12:57 PM
snip//
One of the more alarming points raised in the video is a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report showing that traces of the virus remained on surfaces on the Diamond Princess cruise ship for up to 17 days. But Schaffner says thats not as worrisome as it seems. While the researchers did indeed find viral RNA aboard the ship, they didnt detect any full, functioning viruses themselves.
A virus like the novel coronavirus is basically a tiny capsule of protein filled with genetic material. Its whole job is to inject that genetic material, or RNA, into host cells and commandeer them so those host cells create more of the virus. Without those protein capsules, the viral RNA cant do anything. So, finding viral RNA doesnt mean the virus still poses an active threat any more than discarded bullet shells mean theres a shooter present all they tell you is that, at some point in the past, a gun was fired.
And while scientists are still learning how long the virus can remain dangerous on different surfaces, some say disinfecting everything you come across is overkill. They argue that you could achieve the same results by simply washing your hands.
more...
https://www.discovermagazine.com/health/does-coronavirus-live-on-surfaces-and-whats-the-risk-of-infection?fbclid=IwAR1CwNpn9giLn3HmbxvRmtWZz85XWdyYz3wGSu3mY-fMvQK7IdSftWO_HyQ
SheltieLover
(57,073 posts)SlogginThroughIt
(1,977 posts)I dont understand why discouraging anything is logical.
babylonsister
(170,963 posts)haven't been wiping everything I bought down. I'm happy to read this.
SlogginThroughIt
(1,977 posts)I suppose it is comforting to hear that we dont have to be super analytical about every square millimeter of surfaces. I just think it probably is still a best practice to do as good a job as you can.
babylonsister
(170,963 posts)I went out today with my honey but never got out of the truck. That was my weekly trip.
He uses gloves/mask, shops early, etc.
I am now an agoraphobic. I guess most of us are.
Igel
(35,197 posts)You worry about a cardboard box, you take precautions to disinfect it. Just pick it up, do whatever, and then wash your hands.
It's not even clear if the amount of virus on a surface has ever infected anybody. While better safe than sorry is a good maxim, it drives some people crazy. I'm not a big fan of the "precautionary princple"--partially because it's applied hypocritically, partially because it assumes any risk is huge and any benefit has to not be worth that huge risk.
BusyBeingBest
(8,049 posts)or coffee creamer, bottles of laundry detergent, etc. I would go ahead and disinfect that. You might not remember to wash your hands every time you grab that object, and if the virus is viable for 2-4 days on plastics and glass (especially refrigerated items) you could potentially rub your eyes or nose and infect yourself. It's not likely to happen, but it only takes a few minutes to wash item with soap or use a wipe.
babylonsister
(170,963 posts)did not know that.
BusyBeingBest
(8,049 posts)that keeping a surface cool and moist would also preserve the virus particles too.
intrepidity
(7,241 posts)I'll probably be a full-blown germaphobe by the time this is all over
I just returned from the grocery store. Was debating whether to wipe everything down. Decided against, but I did manage to conjure up an image of the stocking clerk having virus-laden hands, gripping the milk carton... I figure I'll wipe the handle down when I use it first. Just gonna let it sit in the fridge for now.
This shit can make you crazy!
KY_EnviroGuy
(14,483 posts)Some of what we have to fear right now is fear itself. Those "traces" found on the cruise ship were denatured reminants of old virus which were of no danger - sort of like the empty shell casing of a bullet.
From John Hopkins:
[i]Here are some profession resources for you to review and bookmark:
COVID-19 Basics - Frequently Asked Questions
Johns Hopkins experts answer your most frequently asked questions about coronavirus.
Link: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/covid-19-basics/faq
Specifically, see:
How long can the virus that causes COVID-19 live on surfaces?
Carolyn Machamer, a cell biologist who specializes in coronaviruses, discusses the latest research on the virus that causes COVID-19
Link: https://hub.jhu.edu/2020/03/20/sars-cov-2-survive-on-surfaces/
Food safety, nutrition, and wellness during COVID-19 - GREAT RESOURCE!
Link: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/2020/03/25/food-safety-nutrition-and-wellness-during-covid-19/
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions
Link: https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions
How to Protect Yourself & Others
Link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fprepare%2Fprevention.html
And a special section Clean and disinfect:
Cleaning and Disinfection for Households
Interim Recommendations for U.S. Households with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cleaning-disinfection.html
Link: https://www.who.int/
Specifically, Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public
Link: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
This WHO site is a great resource and even included downloadable posters for home and workplace.
---------------------------
If those don't answer your questions, there's plenty more sites from all around the globe.
KY.............
PoindexterOglethorpe
(25,750 posts)Well, they are. Just because the RNA of this virus can be detected on a surface does not mean it can actually infect someone. The biggest risk is that asymptomatic carriers are out there and breathing or coughing on you.
Reread the OP. It's enlightening.