Benny
There is still so much that is unknown about this novel coronavirus.
The following is what the scientists still don’t know about the virus:
- The natural reservoir and intermediate host of the virus. Scientists think the initial reservoir of the virus is bats as evidenced in several strains of coronavirus. Pangolin is thought to be the animal that humans came into contact with that made it possible for the virus to jump to humans but there is no conclusive about that or snakes.
- It is not known how the virus jumped to humans.
- It is not known how long a virus can stay on a surface. Also, whether high temperatures can kill viruses.
- Are masks effective in minimizing transmission or preventing one from getting COVID-19? The cloth face coverings and medical masks are thought not to be effective. Past studies indicated N95 respirators are 99.9 percent in preventing a person from getting a disease. In any case, it is agreed better a prevention than none at all. Due to limited supply of medical masks, people are advised to use them when necessary.
- Since viruses mutate, it is not known how the virus may behave. There are still infections of MERS as of late last year. They are unpredictable.
I’m guessing scientists don’t know much about this virus right now. That’s the biggest problem.
I think it’s better to admit we don’t know something yet than to pretend we do.
I mean people in general, not just scientists
You are right. We don’t know everything about everything on this world. Some things will never be solved or known in this world.
Thanks for sharing that with us, but, I feel more confused. So if masks are not effective why are we suppose to wear them?
I wrote a detailed article about it on Hubpages. Here is the link: https://hubpages.com/health/Face-Masks-Face-Clothing-Coverings-Do-They-Prevent-a-Person-From-Getting-COVID-19-or-Slow-the-Spread-of-Coronavirus
In summary: the most effective mask is the respiratory mask (N95s). The 95 means it is 95% effective in filtering out particles. You should wear a surgical mask to prevent others from getting the virus from you. When you wear a mask, you might get the virus when you accidentally touch your eyes or nose. The mask will prove useless. Also, when you touch the mask, you’ll contaminate it. In addition, since the eyes aren’t covered the virus might enter through the eyes to the nose and into the body.
The same case with cloth coverings. In addition, cloth coverings have pores that vary in size depending on the fabric used. The pores might be big enough to allow entry if virus when you inhale.
The surgical masks are in shortage supply. CDC and WHO are discouraging people to use them so that they can be ample for healthcare workers to use.
The reason for wearing surgical masks including cloth coverings is to prevent an asymptomatic person from spreading the virus thus minimizing transmission. It is said better some form of prevention than no prevention at all. They will help slow the transmission even if it’s a little.
Here is another link from a health authority:https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.sciencealert.com/this-is-why-advice-on-whether-you-should-wear-a-mask-is-just-so-confusing/amp
This is so beautiful!,,..
Thank you for your comment.
The unknown is the scary part of this virus.
There are many variables that we don’t know about the Corona virus, is a person without symptoms immune or not? How long will we have to stay in lockdown? Will the newly liberated people of Wuhan stay healthy or not?
True, there are many variables and uncertainty. There are also reports of people who had recovered have become ill again. How long the lockdown will last is unknown and if the world will fully recover from.it
That is true. The unknown part of it is scary. No one knows its true potential.
Such a concerning topic to ponder upon.
Yes. Let’s hope they solve these things.
i suspect some of the things you are talking about are being studied. Scientists have to be careful, you can’t publish 1/2 results things change.
Science is the pursuit if facts and knowledge.
they won’t guess with half the tests in.
You are right. It’s an ongoing thing until they establish it’s a fact.
Yes, they are studying them. When they know the source of virus, it will make things worse. WHO is also looking into these things so is CDC.
they will learn what is up and down. It will be published and as is often the case, people will ignore it.
10,000 scientists published a climate change report and most ignored it.
The human nature then they complain saying there isn’t anything like that. I don’t take things for granted.
it is the sad reality of the human condition. we need more truth seekers!
Specialists work, but unfortunately there is nothing for now. Until something effective is found, it can mutate again.
Yes, I read viruses are unpredictable. They can mutate again and cause more sorrows.
Which authority according to you disagrees with scientists?
Frankly, there isn’t since they’re are the experts in this field. The agreement and disagreement is among themselves.
I remember there are authorities who have disagreed with scientists, mostly in the beginning of the pandemic like Trump did. And some here in Africa but what the scientists say stands.