Thread by @DamJess

I’ve been weirdly obsessed with learning about the #coronavirus (COVID-12 or SARS-CoV-2)

Here are some fun facts:

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that range from those commonly found in human hosts, such as the common cold to the millions of yet undiscovered mutations found in animal hosts. When they make the jump to humans they become zootonic

While scientist have found a significant match in bats via genome sequencing, they suspect an intermediary animal before it made the jump to human hosts. The clock is ticking to find this animal as the source could still be in the supply chain.

Coronaviruses and influenza are different in many aspects. Importantly, their only similarity is that they are types of viruses but are vastly different in many other regards.

Some seasons produce a “pandemic influenza” such as the Spanish flu of 1918. These can be incredibly deadly and widespread.

This year was a particularly bad year for influenza but that is not related to the coronavirus epidemiology aside from weakening a potential host.

The most important factors making the coronavirus more dangerous than the seasonal flu are the R0 (rate of infection) and CFR (case fatality rate)

The seasonal flu has an R0 of around 1.2 and a CFR of 0.1%

COVID-19 has an R0 between 1.4 and 2.5 and a CFR of 2.2%

Viruses are remarkable in their mutations. For example, the Spanish flu of 1918 was deadly to young adults. COVID-19 is suspected to be unusually harmless to children though they may transmit it. COVID-19 is also unusually susceptible to hand sanitizer (although...)

Viruses are less susceptible to hand sanitizer but easily destroyed by soap and water (hand washing!)

The pandemic phase of epidemiology is when it spreads to two or more continents. By that definition we have likely entered the pandemic phase.

Masks are relatively useless in protecting against infectious diseases on a day-to-day basis.

For healthcare workers they are both essential and effective. Especially the N95 rating which filters for fine particles.

A mask is only needed by your average person if you are ill.

Politely put, dont horde masks because it creates a shortage for healthcare workers who actually need them. If YOU are sick or in direct contact with a sick person, that is the only time a mask would be essential.

The definition of expose to an infectious disease is 6ft of distance for 10 minutes or more.

Viruses have a short lifespan outside their hosts, so it’s exceedingly unlikely you can contract it from say a package.

Door handles and the like are of course still a risk.

You might be thinking: I’m young and therefore I don’t care if I get sick.

Just keep in mind that it’s extremely dangerous for elderly and even middle-aged persons. That means your parents, grandparents are at risk.

Don’t be selfish, practice good hygiene and self quarantine

Oh yea, the suspected intermediary animal is a pangolin 🥺

Zoonotic** 😒 zootonic is probably a fun cocktail coming to a hipster bar near you.

HAHA wow COVID-19**** worst possible typo 🤣🤣

This is where I remind everyone that my fields of expertise do not overlap with biology and I do not pretend to be an expert. Just obsessive and hopefully discerning in where I find information.