With coronavirus-affected patients detected in Bangladesh, people are now getting worried about its possible spread across the country.

Against such a backdrop, renowned physician Prof. Dr ABM Abdullah talked with The Independent TV about the possible symptomsand the precautionary measures to be taken against the deadly virus.

Dr Abdullah said, “Coronavirus tends to spread via cough and sneeze droplets. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they release droplets of saliva or mucus. These droplets can fall on people in the vicinity and can be either directly inhaled or picked up on the hands, and then transferred when someone touches their face, causing infection. Viruses can also be spread through droplets landing on surfaces like seats on buses or trains or desks in school.”

However, whether this would act as a main transmission route depends on how long the viruses would survive on surfaces, which can vary from hours to months, he added. To stay unaffected by the coronavirus, Dr Abdullah has advised the following precautionary measures:   

Wash your hands: Wet your hands with clean, running water and apply soap. Lather your hands, including the backs, between your fingers, and under your nails, and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Rinse. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the bin and wash your hands. If you do not have a tissue at hand, cough or sneeze into your elbow rather than your hands.Face masks offer some protection as they block liquid droplets.

However, they do not block smaller aerosol particles that can pass through the material of the mask. The masks also leave the eyes exposed; there is evidence that some viruses can infect a person through the eyes. Seek early medical help if you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, and share your travel history with healthcare providers.

BK