We’ve all taken an unwanted crash course in virology these past few weeks. Maybe we can apply for degrees by mail when this whole thing is over.
But all of that new knowledge we now share holds true power. We know how quickly and efficiently the coronavirus spreads. That means we can help save our lives and the lives of others by keeping inside as much as possible.
But new research finds we still don’t know quite enough yet. Because it reveals how the tricky, deadly virus spreads in a way no one expected.
Scientists now say people could pass this disease along in situations once considered almost impossible. And that makes it more imperative than ever that we all stay home as much as we can in areas with outbreaks.
Here’s what you need to know about the virus’s deadly “new” trick…
Beware of COVID-19s killer trick
One of the few bright sides to the rapid spread of coronavirus is that everyone who’s had it and recovered is likely to be immune to it. And that includes the 80 percent who have had only a mild infection.
They not only can’t get it again. They also can’t spread it anymore.
If you haven’t been sick, a “recovered” person can’t infect you with it. Some experts are even talking about a way to kick-start the economy by giving special status to people who’ve recovered.
That would not only let them get back to work quicker, but also allow them to be in contact with others with no fear of getting sick or spreading infection. And these theoretically “immune” people would be a godsend in hospitals and care facilities.
But the latest research puts the brakes on that plan, at least for a little bit longer.
Because it reveals how people who’ve had the coronavirus infection and recovered aren’t entirely out of the woods yet. And they’re not quite “safe” for contact with others, yet, either – at least not right away.
It turns out the virus can linger in some “CURED” patients for more than a WEEK after recovery.
Coronavirus can hang around AFTER recovery
The new research found that HALF of the recovered patients included in the study still had the virus in their systems even EIGHT days after the symptoms had faded.
Which means they were potentially still infectious for over a week.
The research suggests the worse the infection is, the longer the virus can linger after recovery. And since the folks included in the study all had milder cases of the virus, that means someone with a more severe form could potentially carry and pass the coronavirus on EVEN LONGER.
Of course, as we’ve already learned, people can carry and spread the infection BEFORE they have any signs too. And still, others might never show any real symptoms at all but can still infect others.
That uncertainty, my friend, is why we’re all practically hiding inside right now.
It’s not hype. There’s a real reason to be careful around others, including friends and loved ones until we’re SURE the coronavirus threat has passed. And that’s especially true if you’re older, and if you have pre-existing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or asthma.
It’s not forever. It’s just for now. And if you’re starting to get a little restless, just remember this: When it’s all over, when we’re sure the risk is gone, we’re going to throw one heck of a worldwide party.
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