Transmission of the Coronavirus by tear fluid is unlikely
Many people are likely to be well-known that the Coronavirus can be transmitted by coughing or Sneezing. So far, it was unclear, however, whether the Virus can also be through tears transferred. A new study looked at this issue and came to the conclusion that it is unlikely that infected people expel the Virus through her tears.
In the current study of the National University Hospital in Singapore, it was found that a Transmission of the Coronavirus through tears is considered to be unlikely. The results of the study were published in the English journal “Ophthalmology”.
Coughing and Sneezing transmitted Coronavirus
Researchers are certain that the Coronavirus is spread through mucus and droplets, which are expelled through a cough or Sneeze out. It was unclear whether the Virus fluids through other parts of the body (e.g., tears) spread.
Results apply to people without conjunctivitis
The current study shows that it is unlikely that infected patients emit the Virus through their tears. However, there is one important Proviso: None of the patients in the study suffered from a conjunctivitis, which occurs in affected individuals is quite rare.
Risk of virus transmission due to the tear fluid is low
The researchers conclude that their results skin in conjunction with the low incidence of conjunctivitis in infected patients indicate that the risk of virus transmission due to the tear fluid is low.
Where was the evaluated tear fluid?
For the conduct of the study, the researchers collected tears samples from 17 patients with COVID-19. This happened from the time of first symptoms until their recovery is approximately twenty days later. The Virus could not be detected during the entire two-week disease progression through a variety of methods.
Samples of the throat and nose showed different results
In the same period, samples from the rear part of the nose and of the pharynx have been removed. While the tears of the Participants were free from the Virus, swarming it in the nose and in the throat of COVID-19-pathogens.
Further research is needed
The researchers hope that the results of the study will contribute to further studies on the prevention of the virus transmission on the more important routes, such as droplet and fecal-oral spread, be initiated.
Protect eyes, hands and mouth!
Despite the results of the study people need to understand that the protection of the eyes, the hands and the mouth can slow down the spread of respiratory viruses such as the Coronavirus. This has the following reason: When a sick person coughs or speaks, can virus particles from the mouth or the nose get in the face of another Person. Most likely, you breathe in these droplets through the mouth or the nose, but you can also enter through the eyes. It is also possible to become infected if you touch something the Virus is present (for example, a doorknob) and then touch eyes. (as)