This news naturally raises some major questions about coronavirus transmission, plus what you can do to stay safe. Here's what you need to know.
At this time, the novel coronavirus transmission rate seems to be on par with that of influenza and the common cold, says Dr. Watkins. However, COVID-19 does seem to spread more quickly than SARS and MERS, notes Dr. Adalja. "That could partly be due to increased globalization, people traveling more, and better diagnostics," adds Dr. Bhatt.
That said, data on the novel coronavirus transmission rate is limited since the virus was only recently discovered. So, there's a lot that researchers still don't know about the virus. Ultimately, infectious disease experts recommend practicing proper hygiene to avoid contracting COVID-19 and other respiratory infections.
"The best way to prevent the illness and stay safe is to practice preventive actions," explains Dr. Bhatt. "This includes washing your hands often with soap and water." Dr. Fernando also recommends using hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol and regularly sanitizing commonly used surfaces in your home, like counters, bathroom fixtures, and doorknobs.
Limiting how much you touch your eyes, nose, and mouth is also a good idea, says Dr. Adalja. Additionally, he recommends avoiding close contact with anyone who seems to be ill.. Even though that could change at any time, experts say there's no need to panic right now. Instead: "Wash your hands a lot and keep abreast of news in your local community about the virus," says Dr. Adalja.
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