Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Cells, Microbes & Viruses => Topic started by: stana on 19/01/2008 10:13:52

Title: Coughs and Sneezes spread diseases...But how?
Post by: stana on 19/01/2008 10:13:52

Hey guys i was wondering, obviosly if someone coughs or sneezes into my face with the cold or flu or something, i will get an infection. But where actually is the virus? Is it in the mucuos? or the saliva? But im guessing therel be a few more sophisticated complex words and answers for it?  [;D]

Thanks

Title: Coughs and Sneezes spread diseases...But how?
Post by: opus on 19/01/2008 23:02:47

I'd guess the virus is in water droplets  shot out of the nasal passages when you sneeze. These can be breathed in by someone else, or picked up from a surface they have landed on and passed up to the nasal region by hand, so speading the infection. So wash your hands frequently! ps. I am not OCD.

Title: Coughs and Sneezes spread diseases...But how?
Post by: RenRen on 02/02/2008 05:29:34

Yes, the viruses (flu, cold, SARS) and bacteria (tuberculosis, pertussis) are in the droplets. In the case of viruses, the viruses are in epithelial cells contained in the droplets, too. That's why they can survive drying, because they will still be cocooned inside the cells fora little while longer. This is why it is important to not just wipe a surface with disinfectant. You must get the surface wet with disinfectant and let it sit there a while to really disintegrate all cells and viruses you're trying to kill.