Coronavirus Is Now Airborne And Can Live For Days According To US Study

The coronavirus was first reported to be transmitted through human-to-human contact and droplets resulting from sneezing and coughing. It can also be contracted by touching or getting in contact with objects, especially metal, where the virus can live for hours and even days.

Now, a new study states that COVID-19 is now airborne as well. It was said that it can stay suspended in the air depending on some factors like humidity and heat. This finding was based on a new study conducted in the U.S.

According to ABS-CBN News, American researchers from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) tried to imitate the virus that was transferred by an infected person to common surfaces in the home or hospital settings through coughing or touching them. To do this, they made use of a tool to distribute an aerosol that mimics the microscopic droplets created in a cough or a sneeze.

Next, they check how long the virus can remain infectious on the surfaces and the study that was published on The New England Journal of Medicine found that apart from surviving on plastic and stainless steel, Coronavirus can also exist in aerosols or airborne droplets for up to three hours. It can stay on copper for four hours and may last for as long as 24 hours on cardboard.

In the press release published by the National Institute of Health (NIH), it was stated that “the results provide key information about the stability of SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19 disease and suggests that people may acquire the virus through the air and after touching contaminated objects.”

The findings proved that following the advice from health professionals to the public is a must. They should be strictly observed and use to prevent the spread and acquisition of the COVID-19 infection.

Some of the things that people must not follow without a question include staying indoors and avoid close contact with sick individuals. Likewise, a sick person should stay at home and avoid touching the mouth, eyes and nose. Cover the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing plus always disinfect objects and surfaces that people usually come in contact with.