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Virus Facts And Tips To Protect Yourself Against Infection

Everyone is susceptible to viruses, no matter your age. Sadly, immunocompromised people and the elderly stand a higher chance of seriously getting ill when their bodies are attacked by a virus infection compared to someone young and healthy. Please take note of the following virus facts and tips on how you can deal with them.

Virus Facts Everyone Should Know

All people should make themselves aware of the following virus facts in order to protect themselves as best they can. The first thing you need to know, what is a virus, and what it does. Knowing about these virus facts may very well ensure your health in times when a new virus comes around.

Virus Fact 1

An image of a hand holding virusesA virus is a microorganism that grows only when it is inside a living cell. It is a protein molecule enclosed in a lipid (fat) layer. When it comes into contact with body fluids, e.g. the mucus in your nose, your eyes, or the inside of your cheeks, the virus quickly starts to multiply and spread throughout your body.

Virus Fact 2

Antibiotics do not kill a virus. It decays over time. The time taken before it decays depends on the temperature, humidity, and where it causes an infection.

Virus Fact 3

Viruses are fragile. Their only protection is their lipid covering. If you can dissolve the lipid layer around the virus, the virus itself quickly disintegrates on its own.

Virus Fact 4

A virus cannot survive in temperatures above 25°C (77°F) because the protective lipid covering will melt and the virus will break down.

Virus Fact 5

A virus breaks down when exposed to 65% and more alcohol because a high alcohol percentage breaks down lipids.

Virus Fact 6

Bleach has the ability to break down proteins.

Virus Fact 6

Oxygenated water, i.e. peroxide, dissolves proteins.

Virus Fact 7

A virus stays stable in very cold, wet, and dark conditions.

Virus Fact 8

Viruses are susceptible to UV light which breaks down the protein component.

Virus Fact 9

A virus cannot penetrate healthy skin. Only damaged skin.

Tips On Limiting Your Exposure To Viruses

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is necessary to ensure all parts of your hands (and under your nails) become exposed to the soapy foam. Soap dissolves the lipid layer around the virus. The virus itself quickly breaks down on its own once its protective covering is destroyed.
  • Wash your hands in warm water (above 25°C, i.e. 77°F) with soap. The warm water combined with the soapy hand wash is even more effective than just soap because it breaks down the lipid layer quicker.
  • Hand sanitizers with an alcohol percentage of 65 and above dissolve the lipid layer surrounding a virus and thus cause the protein component to break down. Any alcohol with 65% and higher alcohol content will work.
  • A bleach solution of one part bleach to five parts water breaks a virus up from the inside by dissolving the protein.
  • Peroxide/oxygenated water may dissolve the protein portion of a virus, but you would have to use it without diluting it first. This could harm your skin in the long run. Rather consider using it on contaminated surfaces if possible.
  • Turn up the heat and keep your environments bright and dry. A virus will degrade much quicker under these conditions.
  • Because UV light breaks down proteins, it is great as a disinfectant for, as an example, a face mask. Be careful, though, because this type of light also breaks down the collagen in your skin and could cause premature aging and even skin cancer. Remember, collagen is a protein.
  • You could use Listerine because it contains 65% alcohol.

What You Should NOT Do

  • Do not try to use antibiotics to rid yourself of a viral infection. Antibiotics kill bacteria. They do not kill a virus.
  • Do not shake out dirty clothing or bedcovers. Doing so spreads the virus. Rather leave it for about three hours to let the virus disintegrate before moving it around. A virus survives for four hours on copper and wood, 24 hours on cardboard and other metals, and 72 hours on plastic.
  • Also be wary of shaking out a feather duster indoors because virus molecules can float in the air for up to three hours and lodge in your nose, throat, or eyes during this time.
  • Do not use vinegar as a means of sterilizing your hands. Vinegar cannot break down lipids.
  • Do not try using vodka or other alcoholic beverages as a hand sanitizer. Normal drinking alcohol is not effective in breaking down a virus’s fat layer. This is because the strongest vodka, for example, only has a 40% alcohol count while you need it to be at least 65% to be effective.

Please Take Note Of The Following

Viruses are less likely to be present in open areas with natural ventilation. They are more likely to abound in confined spaces.

An image of someone washing their handsViruses could be lurking anywhere. They could be on your light switches, doorknobs, cell phone, watch, computer, desk, etc. So, wash your hands before touching your face or working with food. Also, remember to always wash hands after using the bathroom.

All this handwashing may, however, cause damage to your hands by drying out your skin. Please invest in a thick moisturizer to keep your skin supple. Remember, viruses tend to hide under your fingernails, so keep them short.

People most at risk of developing complications when infected are those with immune system issues and the elderly. Taking care of yourself and supporting your immune system via the correct diet and following the simple rules of hygiene may help with this.

In Closing

If you are worried about dealing with viruses, here are a few things you can do to help alleviate the situations.

  1. Avoid crowded places where you are more likely at risk of picking up a virus.
  2. Regularly wash your hands with warm water and soap, especially if you have been outdoors or before working with food.
  3. Do not touch your face and keep your hands moisturized after washing to prevent them from drying out and possibly cracking.

Viruses have been around since the beginning of time. And they will always be with us. Because they have the ability to mutate, they will always have the ability to infect human beings. Therefore, knowing your virus facts and taking simple yet necessary precautions goes a long way in reducing your risk of infection.

If you are unsure and would like more virus facts and tips, the team at Dr Lam Coaching can help. We offer a free *** no-obligation phone consultation at +1-626-571-1234 where we will privately discuss your fears and various options with you. You can also send us a question through our Ask The Doctor system by clicking here.

 
© Copyright 2020 Michael Lam, M.D. All Rights Reserved.


Dr. Lam's Key Question

Yes, these virus facts will help someone with adrenal fatigue. They may not address your condition, but they may help you not get an infection. Infection is one of those things that could make adrenal fatigue worse. Looking after yourself properly will help ensure your health does not decline.

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