Basic Facts About COVID-19

Corona-viruses refer to a family of viruses that are named for the crown-like spikes on their surfaces that appear when observed under a microscope.

They infect mostly animals, but can mutate easily and jump from animals to humans. So far, seven strains are known to infect humans: four of these strains cause common colds, two of these strains were responsible for previous global pandemics, SARS in 2003, and MERS in 2012.

The current virus affecting the world today is a new coronavirus referred to as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or “SARS-COV-2”, also known as Covid-19.

The virus is not a living organism, but a protein molecule (RNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes their genetic code. (mutation) and convert them into aggressor and multiplier cells.

Since the virus is not a living organism but a protein molecule, it is not killed, but decays on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies.

The virus is very fragile; the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat. That is why any soap or detergent is the best remedy, because the foam CUTS the FAT (that is why you have to rub so much: for 20 seconds or more, to make a lot of foam). By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down on its own.

The virus is not a living organism like bacteria; antibiotics can not kill what is not alive

While unsure, scientists initially believe that the virus originally came from bats, although it isn’t known where or how it jumped to humans.

Health officials believe the origin of the outbreak can be traced back to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in the capital city of the Hubei Province: Wuhan, located in China.

It is unknown the exact means of how the virus was transmitted to the United States, though the first confirmed case was in Washington state on Jan. 19. Some suspect though, that the virus spread through Europe first then to the United States

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness with symptoms of cough, fever, and pneumonia

Loss of taste and smell is notably present in many patients as well

The current death count is 164,620 (as of April 19th), with the mortality rate around 6.8%. This is in comparison with the common flu which is less than 1%

Important to note that a majority of virus holders are asymptomatic, and can carry the virus to others without noticing

The CDC maintains an updated record of cases in the U.S.

Worldometer has current information about global cases

80% of infections are mild, 15% are severe (requiring oxygen) and 5% are critical (requiring ventilation)

COVID-19 primarily spreads through contact with an infected person when they cough, sneeze, or through droplets of saliva

The reproductive number appears to be between 2 and 2.5 but this number depends on our behavior

There are different levels of protection these can offer, from simple cloths covering your nose and mouth to ones with ventilators, with the latter being the best option

Never shake used/unused clothing, sheets or cloth. If you shake it or use a feather duster, the virus molecules float in the air for up to 3 hours, and can lodge in your nose.

The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.

The more confined the space, the more concentration of the virus there can be. The more open or naturally ventilated, the less. Aerial droplets outside tend to follow the flow of air, so it is unlikely you will contract COVID-19 from breathing in air outside unless you physically breath in someone's cough or sneeze in a noticeable way

Use water above 25 degrees Celsius for washing hands, clothes, etc, because heat melts fat.

• In addition, hot water makes more foam, making it even more useful.

Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ANY FAT, especially the external lipid layer of the virus.

• No Spirits, nor Vodka will help kill virus. The strongest vodka is 40% alcohol, and you need 65%.

• Listerine will kill virus, with alcohol over 65%.

Any mix with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein, breaks it down from the inside.

Oxygenated water helps long after soap, alcohol and chlorine, because peroxide dissolves the virus protein, but you have to use it pure and it hurts your skin.

While it is glued to a porous surface, it is very inert and disintegrates only between 3 hours (fabric and porous), 4 hours (copper, because it is naturally antiseptic; and wood, because it removes all the moisture and does not let it peel off and disintegrates). ), 24 hours (cardboard), 42 hours (metal) and 72 hours (plastic).

The virus molecules remain very stable in external cold, or artificial as air conditioners in houses and cars. They also need moisture to stay stable, and especially darkness. Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade it faster.

UV light on any object that may contain virus breaks down the virus protein. For example, to disinfect and reuse a mask is perfect.

• Be careful, it also breaks down collagen (which is protein) in the skin, eventually causing wrinkles and skin cancer.

Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat.

You have to wash your hands before and after touching mucosa, food, locks, knobs, switches, remote control, cell phone, watches, computers, desks, TV, etc. And when using the bathroom.

You have to humidify hands dry from so much washing them, because the molecules can hide in the micro cracks. The thicker the moisturizer, the better. Keep nails short.