The Greatest You interview

In one of the recent "The Greatest You" interview, Dr. Hsiao-Chi Chuang, Associate Professor, from the School of Respiratory Therapy at the College of Medical shared with us his insights into the COVID-19 pandemic, a global health issue that has become a worldwide crisis. While it is relatively safe at Taiwan at this moment, there are still many people fighting for their lives under this novel coronavirus pandemic. Dr. Chuang, whose work focusing on air pollution and its impact on human health, has been invited to talk about COVID-19 through several media interviews over the last few months. He will be sharing with our audience the modes of transmission of virus, as well as the prevention measures.

The new coronavirus is mainly transmitted between people through "respiratory droplets" and direct contact with infected surface. These are the two main and common modes of transmission at the beginning of the virus spreading. Researchers also mentioned a new mode of coronavirus spreading, which is aerosol transmission. An aerosol is a suspension of fine, solid particles or liquid droplets floating in the air. Since they are super tiny particles, they can suspend in the air for a longer period of time, which allows them to be transported to a longer distance. Early this month, a laboratory study found that the virus can remain viable and infectious in aerosols for hours. This new mode of transmission gets the world shocked. Although aerosol transmission sounds like an easier mode of transmission, and people may be scared when first knowing of it, there are several factors or pre-conditions that will affect how effectively the virus transmits, such as the density of an aerosol and the humidity of the environment. Asked if there are any ways of prevention of this new coronavirus pandemic? Dr. Chuang indicated that mask wearing and wash hands frequently are both effective ways to limit the transmission of the virus from an infected person. 

Given that students are returning to campus in the middle of May, is there any COVID-19 prevention suggestion to students? Dr. Chuang reiterated that the use of masks and wash hands frequently is still recommended for protection against COVID-19. For those who have to take the public transportation such as buses and taxis, you may open the window to allow air ventilation. If you are taking the MRT, remember to always have your facial mask on not only because this is mandatory but also that it is to protect you from getting infected since it is an air-conditioned area within the carriage.

Thanks to the great job of Taiwan government and Taiwanese all together that Taiwan has recorded zero infection for the past couple of weeks. In that case, do we still have to wear a surgical facial mask or a fabric mask? Dr. Chuang cautioned that wearing a mask is still recommended in the near future, but you may choose other facial masks than surgical ones.

This novel coronavirus has upended all of our ordinary activities since the beginning of this year. It is a global issue and we need to work together to fight against it by trusting science and taking actions accordingly. And hopefully, the world will not have to wait too long to be back to the normal.

More info: https://oge.tmu.edu.tw/international-mobility-2/outbound-students/sub-page-gps/

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