WASH YOUR HANDS

[GordMay]

Omicron may hang around longer on surfaces than original virus

The main way people get infected, with Covid-19, most leading public health experts now agree, is through exposure to the virus through the air, not through contaminated surfaces, known scientifically as "fomites."

Yet Omicron, the highly-contagious variant, known for slipping around some of our best defences, might be surviving longer on everyday objects, than its early predecessor(s) - raising questions about which basic precautions might still be warranted, to prevent surface-based transmission.

That's a key finding from a new pre-print paper [1], from researchers at the University of Hong Kong's school of public health, which is published online [1], but has not yet been peer-reviewed.

"Our findings imply that (Omicron) has an increased likelihood to be transmitted by the fomite route," the researchers concluded.

"Hand hygiene and frequent disinfection, of common touch surfaces [smooth & porous], in public areas, are highly recommended."

The study authors noted [1] the limitations at play, including the controlled, lab-based setting, and differences in the droplets used in the research, compared to respiratory droplets, which may all impact the stability of the virus.

The takeaway: We've been so focused on airborne transmission, and masks that, maybe, we've kind of neglected basic hand hygiene. Hand hygiene, and frequent disinfection is still recommended by study team, while outside experts say more research needed.

[1] “SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant is more stable than the ancestral strain on various surfaces” ~ by Alex Wing Hong Chin et al [March 10, 2022]
➥ https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1....483703v1.full

[Franziska]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Omicron may hang around longer on surfaces than original virus

The main way people get infected, with Covid-19, most leading public health experts now agree, is through exposure to the virus through the air, not through contaminated surfaces, known scientifically as "fomites."

Yet Omicron, the highly-contagious variant, known for slipping around some of our best defences, might be surviving longer on everyday objects, than its early predecessor(s) - raising questions about which basic precautions might still be warranted, to prevent surface-based transmission.

That's a key finding from a new pre-print paper [1], from researchers at the University of Hong Kong's school of public health, which is published online [1], but has not yet been peer-reviewed.

"Our findings imply that (Omicron) has an increased likelihood to be transmitted by the fomite route," the researchers concluded.

"Hand hygiene and frequent disinfection, of common touch surfaces [smooth & porous], in public areas, are highly recommended."

The study authors noted [1] the limitations at play, including the controlled, lab-based setting, and differences in the droplets used in the research, compared to respiratory droplets, which may all impact the stability of the virus.

The takeaway: We've been so focused on airborne transmission, and masks that, maybe, we've kind of neglected basic hand hygiene. Hand hygiene, and frequent disinfection is still recommended by study team, while outside experts say more research needed.

[1] “SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant is more stable than the ancestral strain on various surfaces” ~ by Alex Wing Hong Chin et al [March 10, 2022]
➥ https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1....483703v1.full

Thank you, interesting and helpful info.

[StuM]

Shouldn't this be here:
https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f168/


To quote the description:
Discussions about Coronavirus / COVID-19. Impacts for the Boating community and Covid-related cruising regs and concerns. No Politics Please. Now go wash your hands.

[tkeithlu]

There's a difference between a virus living longer on surfaces (this paper) and a virus being transmitted through contact with surfaces (wash your hands). I've not come across any evidence that Covid-19 has been transmitted by contact with surfaces. It was a big concern at the beginning, but my impression is that it never came to pass. Do the authors cite, or do you know of, any evidence I've missed?

[AKA-None]

Well to be honest it’s generally a good idea to wash your hands [emoji119]

[tkeithlu]

Indeed, because for one, the common cold DOES infect by that route.

[denverd0n]

And washing with soap and water is far, FAR more effective then just using sanitizer. Sanitizer is for when you do not have the option of washing.


Of course, the really good news is that it has become abundantly clear that the Omicron variant is much less virulent than former ones. Only a fraction of the number of people are dying, or even needing hospitalization.

[GordMay]

There are important differences between washing hands, with soap and water, and using hand sanitizer.
Soap and water work to remove all types of germs from hands, while sanitizer acts by killing certain germs on the skin.

Although alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs, in many situations, they should be used in the right situations.
Soap and water are more effective than hand sanitizers, at removing certain kinds of germs like norovirus, Cryptosporidium, and Clostridioides difficile, as well as chemicals, such as pesticides and heavy metals, like lead.

Handwashing reduces the amounts of all types of germs, pesticides, and metals on hands. Knowing when to clean your hands, and which method to use, will give you the best chance of preventing sickness.

DO NOT use hand sanitizer, if your hands are visibly dirty or greasy - for example, after gardening, playing outdoors, fishing, or camping. If a handwashing station is available, wash your hands, with soap and water, instead.

Frequent Questions About Hand Hygiene ~ CDC
➥ https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/faqs.html