Coronavirus and sore throat is a major health problem nowadays. This new infectious disease spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets as well as through close contact and surfaces.
However, there is some information about transmission of coronavirus through food. Is it true? And what do scientists think about it?
How coronavirus is transmitted through food and drink
There is currently no confirmed studies that the coronavirus can be food borne. This was stated by the European Food Safety Agency, as well as experts from the US Food and Drug Administration.
Moreover, the probability of contracting the virus through grocery shopping is also too low.
You can get infected with coronavirus through food only if an infected person has touched it right before you did. Indeed, the virus can remain on surfaces for a while. But if the virus is in food, then it can be destroyed, like other viruses, while cooking.
There is a chance of getting infected by drinking raw water or non-thermally processed food that has gotten the virus. Recent studies have shown that coronavirus in food and water can survive for some time outside the human body. The average time is several hours, or even days – including for packaging materials, especially cardboard and plastics. But this probability of infection is extremely small. Therefore it is not considered as a way of spreading the virus.
How to protect yourself from infections
Nowadays, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 transmission through food packaging, drinks or some groceries. However, several precautions are recommended to be followed at least in a form of hygiene rules. Here they are:
- Since there is a possibility of COVID transmission from raw foods, use separate knives and other kitchen appliances for raw food.
- Consume checked and safe products during the epidemic of coronavirus when you are not at home.
- When shopping for groceries, disinfect your hands before and after handling packaging materials and food.
- Observe good hygiene practices when handling and preparing food.
- Don’t drink raw water. In addition to coronavirus, it can contain many other harmful substances.
If you observe The first sign of coronavirus, contact your doctor or medical institution. By taking measures at the initial stage, the virus is easier to neutralize.
The most difficult case of Coronavirus is pneumonia without symptoms. This form is difficult to identify and difficult to treat. Therefore, avoid contact with infected and crowded places. Take care of your health.
