Covid-19 has brought forth many lessons, stories, facts, and myths too. For the few months it has been around, the killer infection has helped many people realize the importance of self-hygiene. Coronavirus has also helped people develop tactical strategies for dealing with it and staying safe during the period. One of the things which up to date remains unclear is the modes of infection. We already know that coronavirus can spread from person to person through handshakes, air-bone, and respiratory droplets. But can it spread through the shoes? Read on to find the truth.
Coronavirus and shoes
Experts believe that the risks of spreading coronavirus through clothes and shoes are minimal. The shoes, for instance, can transmit the infection if you unknowingly step on an infected surface. According to health experts, the virus stays alive on plastic surfaces for more than 48 hours. This means that you may easily transmit the deadly virus to another surface through your shoes. Similarly, someone who touches your shoes, clothes, or the infected surface can still get it.
Health experts advise people to remove their clothes, shoes, and other clothing when they get into the house. They should also disinfect the shoes but use good disinfectant soles. The soles prevent the transfer of pathogens from one surface to another. You may read more here to get in-depth information about the healthy soles, how to use them, and how they can curb the coronavirus spread. They are the best in situations where you can’t remove your shoes and change them.
In line with a report from the National Institute of Allergy And Infectious Diseases, the plastic surfaces are more prone to viruses. This means that the plastic shoes may be at higher risk of transmitting the virus when not disinfected well. Nevertheless, other materials can also contribute to the infection. For protection, ensure that you change your shoes more often, sanitize them, and, most importantly, observe social distancing.
Other proven ways on how coronavirus can spread
Clothes and shoes are not the only means through which the virus can spread. Here are sure different ways which, according to experts, the infection can spread:
Aerosols and droplets
Droplets from an infected person can infect you. These droplets may come out when the infected person coughs, talks to you, laughs, or even sneezes. People within a shorter distance of less than one meter from the infected person can get the infection; hence it’s advisable to wear a surgical mask.
Airborne
Health experts believe that the coronavirus may stay alive in the air for around three hours. This means that you can readily get the infection if you breathe in the air with the virus.
Surfaces
As earlier mentioned, coronavirus can be transmitted through surfaces. The surfaces could include plastic, metal, wood, and so on. The virus gets on the surfaces when another person touches it with viruses carrying hands or sneeze directly onto the surface.
Poop
The poop of an infected person may transmit coronavirus to another person. Experts are not sure about this tip, but it’s advisable to avoid direct contact with the human waste to stay safe.
Pets
Multiple reports mention that coronavirus can be spread through pets. This is evidenced by the few pets which have been tested and confirmed positive for the infection. Studies do not unveil how the pets get the virus, but they believe that they get the disease from the pet owners or other humans. Avoid direct contact with other pets to stay safe.
Groceries
Just like shoes, the possibility of getting coronavirus through groceries and other food packages is very minimal. It can only happen when someone touches the grocery or sneezes directly on to it, and then you too contact on the same spot. To prevent this, you should at least wash your hands frequently.
Self-protection
Self-protection is the only solution for controlling the extensive coronavirus pandemic. You should observe self-protection tactics, which include social distancing and regular cleaning of the hands. If you cannot wash, disinfect them with an alcohol-based sanitizer every 20 minutes. You can also try to work from home if possible and avoid personal contact with people or pets that show the signs and symptoms of the virus.
The adverse effects of Covid-19 go beyond financial problems. There is no proven vaccination or medication; thus, the responsibility is upon us to stay safe and observe the set measures. So, don’t assume that your shoes or clothing can’t infect you. Just change them often, and get the healthy sole for your family. Observe the other safety measures too to stay safe.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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