Viruses are all around us, and while they’re too small to see, their impact on our health can be enormous. But what exactly is a virus? And what do we know about them? In this blog, we’ll dive into what we know about viruses, explore how they interact with our bodies, and share practical tips on maintaining your health in an increasingly viral world.
What is a virus?
A virus is an infective agent that typically consists of a nucleic acid molecule enclosed in a protein coat that is too small to be seen by light microscopy. The virus can multiply only within the living cells of a host.
In simple, a virus is so small that even using a powerful microscope, you may not be able to see it. The virus seeks out living cells within a host to multiply – and you are the host.
Viruses are responsible for illnesses ranging from the common cold to more serious diseases. As new viruses continue to emerge, they raise questions and concerns about how we can best protect our health.
What do we know about viruses?
Viruses are extremely small and will look for places that allow them to multiply; the human body is an excellent incubator for them. A virus can survive on a hard surface for up to 24 to 48 hours, while external temperatures can also impact its survival.
Viruses typically live longer on non-porous surfaces, such as stainless steel, than on porous surfaces, such as fabrics. Cold germs can live up to one week, but lose effectiveness after 24 hours, while the coronavirus can live from a few hours to a few days.
Viruses will evolve and mutate, but they can be eliminated or reduced by several simple steps.
How to stay healthy in a world of viruses
Develop and practice good hygiene:
- Speak with your doctor to see if a flu or Covid vaccine is right for you.
- Clean and sanitize your hands properly.
- Wet your hands with warm or cold, clean, running water.
- Turn off the water and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands with a clean paper towel, or a hand dryer.
- Cover your cough and sneezes by using a Kleenex or coughing or sneezing into the bend of your arm. Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing into them. In the event you cannot wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of 60%.
- Try not to touch your nose and mouth as you are out in the community.
- Wash your hands before preparing and eating food.
- Disinfect hard surfaces consistently.
- Use an air purifier in your home and office and be sure to change your air filters regularly in your air conditioner. If possible, open your doors and windows occasionally to improve airflow.
- Use medications and treatments as prescribed.
- If you have an illness attributable to a virus, keep your distance from others. Be sure to restrict others from interacting with you when not feeling well.
- Mask can be worn, to minimize small viruses from going airborne via your respiration, sneezing, and cough.
- Maintain a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids. Consider adding vitamins and supplements to improve your health and immune system. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider as to what is best for you.
- Refer to the CDC Guideline:
- Stay home and away from others until your symptoms are improving and you have been fever-free (without meds) for 24 hours.
- Take added precautions for the next 5 days.
Understanding how viruses survive, and spread is a crucial step in protecting your health. By being mindful of the surfaces you touch, practicing good hygiene, and supporting your immune system, you can reduce your risk of exposure. At Choice Physicians Group, we are here to provide expert guidance in navigating a world with viruses.