Reducing the Spread
As we discussed, viruses can exist for a long time outside the body. The way that viruses spread is specific to the type of virus. They can be spread through the following means:
- Carrier organisms - mosquitoes, fleas
- The air
- Direct transfer of body fluids from one person to another — saliva, sweat, nasal mucus, blood, semen, vaginal secretions
- Surfaces on which body fluids have dried
To reduce the risk of spreading or contacting viruses, here are things you can do:
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- Cover your mouth or nose when you sneeze or cough by using a tissue to cover your mouth or sneezing or coughing into your elbow.
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after going to the bathroom or preparing food. If you're not able to wash your hands, apply hand sanitizer liberally.
- Avoid contact with the bodily fluids of others.
- Consider wearing a face mask in public if you're worried about infecting others or being infected yourself.
- Don't touch your face.
These practices are not foolproof, but they can help you significantly reduce the risk of viral infection.