Common viruses, such as the flu, colds, and respiratory infections, often cause mild symptoms that typically resolve on their own with bed rest and home care. However, viruses can also lead to more serious complications, which can be life-threatening depending on a person’s current condition.
While most viral infections are not severe, avoiding illness is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from more serious health effects. To this end, it helps to understand how viruses spread from person to person, as this knowledge can safeguard you against illness.
A person with a viral infection passes their illness to others via viral shedding. In this case, viral particles are transmitted to others via infected droplets, which can be inhaled after an ill person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Viral particles can also aerosolize, which means they can linger in the air for a period of time.
People are most contagious when they are actively showing symptoms of a virus, but they can also pass on illness without symptoms. People may be contagious for up to seven days or longer when ill, and it is important to take steps to prevent spreading the infection to others during this time.
Along with direct contact, a person may also encounter viral particles indirectly. These particles can be transferred to objects and surfaces after being touched by a sick person, or they can become contaminated by viral particles lingering in the air.
Different viruses can have varying lifespans when it comes to surface contamination. Some types, such as the norovirus, can contaminate surfaces and objects for up to two weeks. This highlights why cleaning and sanitization play such a crucial role when it comes to fighting illness.
The following steps can greatly reduce your risk of acquiring a viral infection:
If you do become ill, take steps to protect others. Wear a mask in public places and isolate yourself from others at home until your symptoms subside.