Questions about the Corona virus

In summary, the Corona virus is causing strokes in young and middle-aged people. The virus is causing these strokes by attacking the blood vessels in the brain. Drying the virus has been suggested as a way to kill it, and it seems that freezing the virus does also work.
  • #1
afcsimoes
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To know how much we must prevent
1. are there H2O molecules inside a Corona vírus? If yes, drying the virus kills it?
2. the lipid external layer of the Corona virus acts as a glue that attach the virus to any surface?
3. how much time a Corona vírus survives in the dry air? and in a dry surface?
 
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  • #3
Well, its generally thought drying produces a hostile environment, it certainly does for most cells and the virus will often be carried inside cells.
Having said that the lipid coat isn't a glue, its job is to protect the virus, I know its been suggested that in dry conditions it becomes semi solid protecting the virus from dehydrating.

Most people consider that the virus persists longer in cool dry conditions, its difficult to put a set time on it, there are various studies that have come up with a very wide range of results and these are influenced by the type of surface. It seems fairly clear the virus can remain viable for several hours but some studies have suggested this can extend into days. We don't know the amount of virus that needs to be present to be considered a risk for infection. The greatest risk is from exposure to infected cells, carried in droplets, from a cough or a sneeze from someone in the early stages of infection.
 
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  • #4
If the virus contains water, freeze and thus perish? Or how does it react to freezing temperatures?
 
  • #5
The virus is not alive. Think of it as a chemical. We have threads on this subject. This virus has RNA, and a protein coat. That's pretty much all it has. No lipids. This picture shows it in an easy to understand way:

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Schematic-diagram-of-the-SARS-coronavirus-structure-reproduced-from-ref-20The-viral_fig2_8149726

Schematic-diagram-of-the-SARS-coronavirus-structure-reproduced-from-ref-20The-viral.jpg
 
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  • #6
jim mcnamara said:
No lipids.
Like most viruses, coronaviruses contain an envelope that is derived from phospholipids in the plasma membrane of the cells it infects. The lipids themselves are not encoded by the virus, but they are nevertheless an essential part of the virus's structure. Part of the reason why soap is effective at killing the virus is that it soap can disrupt the lipid bilayer surrounding the virus and inactivate the virus.
 
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  • #7
@Ygggdrasil Thanks for the correction. Now I have the warm fuzzies from washing my hands frequently :smile:
 
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What is the Corona virus?

The Corona virus, also known as COVID-19, is a highly infectious respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and has since spread globally, resulting in a pandemic.

How is the Corona virus transmitted?

The primary mode of transmission for the Corona virus is through respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. It can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.

What are the symptoms of the Corona virus?

The most common symptoms of the Corona virus include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include fatigue, body aches, loss of taste or smell, and sore throat. Some individuals may experience no symptoms at all.

How can I protect myself from the Corona virus?

The best way to protect yourself from the Corona virus is to practice good hygiene habits, such as frequent hand washing, wearing a mask in public, and avoiding close contact with others. It is also important to follow social distancing guidelines and stay home if you are feeling unwell.

Is there a cure for the Corona virus?

Currently, there is no specific cure for the Corona virus. However, vaccines have been developed and are being distributed globally to help prevent the spread of the virus. Treatment options are available to manage symptoms and support recovery for those who have contracted the virus.

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