Every day, Le Parisien takes action to answer your questions about the coronavirus. Today, a reader asks us: "If I touch an infected person, will I catch this virus? "
Nothing is automatic. "The exposure between people must be extended, for at least several minutes, so that contamination can occur", reminds the Parisian Dr. Didier Pittet, doctor head of the prevention and infection service of the University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG ). In addition to this extended time, everything also depends on the type of contact. "If you kiss a sick person, or if you just touch their shoulder, it's not the same thing," says the specialist. If you come into contact with the mucous membranes of an infected person, the risk is much higher than a simple gesture on the shoulder, hand or elbow. "
The risk comes from the droplets
He points out that the virus is transmitted through the respiratory tract and droplets, which is rejected by an infected person and not by other bodily secretions, such as Ebola for example. It is therefore necessary to be as careful as possible to wash your hands regularly and not to touch your face, if you have been in the presence of a contaminated or potentially sick person.
In addition to avoiding social contact as much as possible, we must beware of droplets that could go to other surfaces. "If someone spits on a table, your hand touches this table and you touch your face, there is a risk," points out the specialist. As much as possible, reminds Professor Pittet, “respect social distancing. There is no risk of catching this virus if you stand 1 meter from a person. "
To ask your question, you can write to us using the form available by clicking here or send us an email at coronavirus@leparisien.fr. Find all the answers previously published on our dedicated page.