Novel Coronavirus: Facts & Prevention Tips

If you’ve been following the news about the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) it’s likely that you’ve grown a little nervous, especially after local health officials recently announced yet another case of Coronavirus in British Columbia in recent weeks.

In this article, we’ll take a brief look at what a Coronavirus is, how it may be spread, and what precautions can be taken against it. It is important to remember that according to Canadian officials, including The Fraser Health Authority, the risk to British Columbians still remains low. In a recent update, Fraser Health states, “There is no evidence that novel coronavirus is circulating in the community.”

That said, the COVID-19 virus is on a lot of our minds, and we can – and SHOULD – be taking precautions against its spread, just like we should during any cold & flu season.

As health authorities and healthcare institutions worldwide are working to prevent the spread of the Wuhan Coronavirus (COVID-19), personal protection and surface disinfection will play critical roles.
FAQ’s:

What is Coronavirus? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, dogs and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve to infect humans and then spread between people such as with SARS in 2003, MERS in 2012, and now with COVID-19.

Most coronaviruses are not dangerous, causing only upper respiratory infection symptoms like a stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, and sometimes a fever. However, if a coronavirus infection spreads to the lower respiratory tract it can cause pneumonia and be life-threatening, especially in young children, older people, and those with weakened immune systems.

How Does the Virus Spread? According to the World Health Organization, coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through contact with an infected person through respiratory droplets generated when a person, for example, coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. It is important that everyone practice good respiratory hygiene. For example, sneeze or cough into a bent elbow, or use a tissue and discard it immediately into a closed bin. It is also very important for people to wash their hands regularly and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, and to use alcohol-based hand rubs (with at least 60% alcohol) to clean hands even if they are not visibly soiled.

How Long Does the Virus Live on Surfaces? According to the World Health Organization, it is still not known how long the COVID-19 virus survives on surfaces, although preliminary information suggests the virus may survive from several hours, up to as long as nine days on hard surfaces.

How can I protect myself from Coronavirus?

It’s important to remember that at this time the risk to British Columbians remains low. We should be taking the same measures we would to protect ourselves from the spread of illness during any normal cold / flu season (first and foremost: wash your hands!)

Fraser Health recently stated:
We are reminding everyone to follow proper respiratory hygiene etiquette during the cold and flu season.

This includes:

– Proper hand washing for at least 20 seconds using soap and water
– Alcohol-based hand rubs to clean hands if they are not visibly soiled
– Do not touch your mouth/eyes/face with unwashed hands
– Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough with a disposable tissue or the crease of your elbow
– Stay home when you are sick

What else can I do to stay healthy during cold & flu season?

According to the CDC, some disinfectant products can kill viruses on surfaces, preventing the spread of infection. The CDC recommends cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as doorknobs, light switches, desks, and keyboards. It is also a good idea to strategically disinfect items like restaurant tables, changing tables, your desk at work or school, and your cellphone.

Experts agree that disinfecting is very important for the prevention of any kind of viral infection. It’s also important to note that sanitizers are not the same as disinfectants. Sanitizers lower the number of germs on surfaces but are more effective on bacteria. However, disinfectants KILL viruses and bacteria on surfaces and offer a greater level of protection

That’s where Vital Oxide™ can help. Local B.C. Company, Vital Clean Innovations, recently introduced Vital Oxide™ to Western Canada. A Health Canada approved hospital-grade disinfectant (DIN#02422654), which is effective against many different viruses including influenza, H1N1, Norovirus, Coronavirus, Rotavirus, RSV, Hepatitis and many others. Vital Oxide™ is also effective at killing several bacteria strains including E. Coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus Aureus, and even superbugs such as MRSA.

Vital Oxide™ is a safe alternative to many common disinfectants. Unlike bleach, Vital Oxide™ is non-corrosive and safe for use on fabrics and soft surfaces, and not harmful to your skin. Disinfectant wipes can be handy, but keep in mind that Lysol, Clorox, and other disinfectant wipes are designed for hard surfaces in homes & workplaces, not body parts, and not on children’s toys or surfaces that come into contact with food.

The fine print on the back of the bottle states important instructions including keeping out of children’s reach, washing hands after using, rinsing surfaces with water after using, and do not use on skin. After disinfecting a kitchen counter or cutting board with any of these products, you need to wash it before using it again safely. The exception to that rule is Vital Oxide™.

Vital Oxide™ is safe for humans (even directly on skin), safe for animals and it’s even safe to use on food contact surfaces with no rinse required – which cannot be said for other common disinfectants, such as bleach or disinfectant wipes. Vital Oxide™ is non-corrosive, 100% biodegradable, NSF certified (for use on food prep surfaces) and has an SDS rating of 0-0-0 – the safest rating available. It is safe for all aquatic life – you can pour it down the drain without harming our environment. It is fragrance free and emits no VOC’s.

Vital Oxide™ has been used for many years in hospitals, health care centers, veterinary clinics, daycares, schools and office buildings (just to name a few) to disinfect to a clinically clean standard. Vital Clean Innovations is now making it available to the public. Vital Oxide™ can help protect your family, your workplace, even your school from the spread of illness. When Vital Oxide™ is used in conjunction with one of our electrostatic sprayers or foggers, it ensures that all sides of the surfaces – even unseen and hard to reach places – can be disinfected.

For more information, including a complete virus/bacteria kill list, visit www.vitalclean.ca email info@vitalclean.ca or phone 1-888-92-VITAL.