Can COVID-19 (coronavirus) spread through food, water, surfaces and pets?

I'm practicing social distancing and following local stay-at-home orders. How susceptible am I to infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 even though I've taken these precautions?

Answer From William F. Marshall, III M.D.

The virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spreads from person to person in respiratory droplets released when someone with the virus coughs, sneezes or talks.

But it can also spread from a person who has the virus to any surface he or she touches, which may make you wonder about everyday situations. How risky is it to go to the grocery store? Could there be germs on that takeout container from your favorite restaurant? What about the water you drink?

Experts don't have all of the answers about potential ways the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads, but here's what's known so far:

• Food containers and packaging. There's no evidence of anyone contracting the virus that causes COVID-19 after touching food containers and food packaging. Many restaurants are now offering no-contact takeout and delivery to lessen the risk of transmission.
  Still, if you're concerned, it's reasonable to follow general food safety guidelines. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water after handling takeout containers, and then transfer food to a clean dish using clean utensils. Wash your hands again before eating. After disposing of containers, clean and disinfect any surfaces that had takeout containers on them.
• Grocery store produce. It's possible that the new coronavirus might linger on fruits and vegetables that have been handled by a person with the virus. Whether this could make you sick with COVID-19 isn't known.
  Best practice is to follow food safety guidelines and wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them, by running them under water. Soap isn't needed. You can scrub produce that has a rind or thick skin with a clean produce brush. Also wash your hands well with soap and water as soon as you get home from the grocery store.
  Clean and disinfect any reusable bags that you carried to and from the store. Most cloth bags can go through the washer and dryer; other bags can be cleaned using a disinfectant wipe or spray.
  Consider wearing a mask while grocery shopping, when it can be difficult to maintain social distance from other shoppers. In some areas or at certain stores, wearing a mask may be required.
• Household surfaces. In a study by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), researchers found that the virus that causes COVID-19 can live up to four hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard, and up to three days on stainless steel and plastic surfaces. Regularly clean and disinfect commonly touched household surfaces — such as tables, countertops, doorknobs, light switches, toilets, faucet handles and sinks.
• Drinking water. The virus that causes COVID-19 hasn't been detected in drinking water. Water treatment facilities have processes to filter and disinfect water before it goes into your home.
• Close contact with people. Especially to people who don't live in your household, don't get too close. Keep the rule of social distance in mind: Try to stay 6 feet (2 meters) away from others.
  Respiratory droplets from the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread to a person 6 feet or closer after someone with the virus coughs, sneezes or talks, which can put you at risk if you're within that 6-foot circle.
• Dogs and cats. There have been reports of some pets, including dogs and cats, being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 after close contact with people who had the virus. Often, the animals showed no signs of being sick.
  The virus that causes COVID-19 mainly spreads from person to person. Experts don't consider animals to be a significant way that coronavirus spreads. But this is an area of ongoing investigation.
  Treat your pets as if they were people, keeping them at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from other people and animals outside your household and staying at home when possible.
• Swimming pools and hot tubs. There's no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads through swimming pools and hot tubs.
• Stool, urine and other body fluids. Respiratory droplets are the main source of spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. The virus has also been detected in the stool of some people who are sick with COVID-19.
  Experts don't know yet what the risk of transmission from stool might be, but the virus that causes COVID-19 may have the potential to spread through untreated sewage. Also unknown is whether other body fluids, such as urine, vomit, breast milk or semen, could be ways the virus might spread.

By following social distancing and your local public health guidelines, such as staying at home when you can and wearing a face mask when you must go out, you help to lower your risk of infection. You also help protect other members of your community.

Source by Technihelps.com

With

William F. Marshall, III M.D.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Overview

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause illnesses such as the common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). In 2019, a new coronavirus was identified as the cause of a disease outbreak that originated in China.

The virus is now known as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease it causes is called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.

Public health groups, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and WHO, are monitoring the pandemic and posting updates on their websites. These groups have also issued recommendations for preventing and treating the illness.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may appear two to 14 days after exposure. This time after exposure and before having symptoms is called the incubation period. Common signs and symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Other symptoms can include:

• Tiredness
• Aches
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Loss of smell
• Loss of taste
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Severe vomiting

The severity of COVID-19 symptoms can range from very mild to severe. Some people may have only a few symptoms, and some people may have no symptoms at all. People who are older or who have existing chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, severe obesity, chronic kidney or liver disease, or who have compromised immune systems may be at higher risk of serious illness. This is similar to what is seen with other respiratory illnesses, such as influenza.

Some people may experience worsened symptoms, such as worsened shortness of breath and pneumonia, about a week after symptoms start.

When to see a doctor

If you have COVID-19 symptoms or you've been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, contact your doctor or clinic right away for medical advice. Tell your health care team about your symptoms and possible exposure before you go to your appointment.

If you have emergency COVID-19 signs and symptoms, seek care immediately. Emergency signs and symptoms can include:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent chest pain or pressure
• New confusion
• Blue lips or face

If you have signs or symptoms of COVID-19, contact your doctor or clinic for guidance. Let your doctor know if you have other chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease or lung disease. During the pandemic, it's important to make sure health care is available for those in greatest need.

Causes

Infection with the new coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The virus appears to spread easily among people, and more continues to be discovered over time about how it spreads. Data has shown that it spreads from person to person among those in close contact (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters). The virus spreads by respiratory droplets released when someone with the virus coughs, sneezes or talks. These droplets can be inhaled or land in the mouth or nose of a person nearby.

It can also spread if a person touches a surface with the virus on it and then touches his or her mouth, nose or eyes.

Risk factors

Risk factors for COVID-19 appear to include:

• Recent travel from or residence in an area with ongoing community spread of COVID-19 as determined by CDC or WHO
• Close contact with someone who has COVID-19, , such as being within 6 feet, or 2 meters, or being coughed on — which can occur when a family member or health care worker takes care of an infected person

Complications

Although most people with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms, the disease can cause severe medical complications and lead to death in some people. Older adults or people with existing chronic medical conditions are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19.

Complications can include:

• Pneumonia in both lungs
• Organ failure in several organs
• Respiratory failure
• Heart problems, such as heart rhythm problems and a disease of the heart muscle that makes it hard for your heart to pump blood to the body (cardiomyopathy)
• Acute kidney injury
• Additional viral and bacterial infections

Prevention

Although there is no vaccine available to prevent COVID-19, you can take steps to reduce your risk of infection. WHO and CDC recommend following these precautions for avoiding COVID-19:

• Avoid large events and mass gatherings.
• Avoid close contact (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters) with anyone who is sick or has symptoms.
• Stay home as much as possible and keep distance between yourself and others (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters) if COVID-19 is spreading in your community, especially if you have a higher risk of serious illness. Keep in mind some people may have COVID-19 and spread it to others, even if they don't have symptoms or don't know they have COVID-19.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Cover your face with a cloth face covering in public spaces, such as the grocery store, where it's difficult to avoid close contact with others, especially if you're in an area with ongoing community spread. Only use nonmedical cloth masks — surgical masks and N95 respirators should be reserved for health care providers.
• Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw away the used tissue.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid sharing dishes, glasses, bedding and other household items if you're sick.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily.
• Stay home from work, school and public areas if you're sick, unless you're going to get medical care. Avoid taking public transportation if you're sick.

If you have a chronic medical condition and may have a higher risk of serious illness, check with your doctor about other ways to protect yourself.

Travel

If you're planning to travel, first check the CDC and WHO websites for updates and advice. Also look for any health advisories that may be in place where you plan to travel. You may also want to talk with your doctor if you have health conditions that make you more susceptible to respiratory infections and complications.

Depression (major depressive disorder)

Overview

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn't worth living.

More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn't a weakness and you can't simply "snap out" of it. Depression may require long-term treatment. But don't get discouraged. Most people with depression feel better with medication, psychotherapy or both

Symptoms

Although depression may occur only once during your life, people typically have multiple episodes. During these episodes, symptoms occur most of the day, nearly every day and may include:

• Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness
• Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters
• Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
• Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort
• Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain
• Anxiety, agitation or restlessness
• Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame
• Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
• Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide
• Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches

For many people with depression, symptoms usually are severe enough to cause noticeable problems in day-to-day activities, such as work, school, social activities or relationships with others. Some people may feel generally miserable or unhappy without really knowing why.

Depression symptoms in children and teens

Common signs and symptoms of depression in children and teenagers are similar to those of adults, but there can be some differences.

• In younger children, symptoms of depression may include sadness, irritability, clinginess, worry, aches and pains, refusing to go to school, or being underweight.
• In teens, symptoms may include sadness, irritability, feeling negative and worthless, anger, poor performance or poor attendance at school, feeling misunderstood and extremely sensitive, using recreational drugs or alcohol, eating or sleeping too much, self-harm, loss of interest in normal activities, and avoidance of social interaction.

Depression symptoms in older adults

Depression is not a normal part of growing older, and it should never be taken lightly. Unfortunately, depression often goes undiagnosed and untreated in older adults, and they may feel reluctant to seek help. Symptoms of depression may be different or less obvious in older adults, such as:

• Memory difficulties or personality changes
• Physical aches or pain
• Fatigue, loss of appetite, sleep problems or loss of interest in sex — not caused by a medical condition or medication
• Often wanting to stay at home, rather than going out to socialize or doing new things
• Suicidal thinking or feelings, especially in older men

When to see a doctor

If you feel depressed, make an appointment to see your doctor or mental health professional as soon as you can. If you're reluctant to seek treatment, talk to a friend or loved one, any health care professional, a faith leader, or someone else you trust.

When to get emergency help

If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Also consider these options if you're having suicidal thoughts:

• Call your doctor or mental health professional.
• Call a suicide hotline number — in the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). Use that same number and press "1" to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.
• Reach out to a close friend or loved one.
• Contact a minister, spiritual leader or someone else in your faith community.

If you have a loved one who is in danger of suicide or has made a suicide attempt, make sure someone stays with that person. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Or, if you think you can do so safely, take the person to the nearest hospital emergency room.

The 7 Best Bitcoin Wallets of 2020

Realated : Best Bitcoin Wallets of 2020

Bitcoin wallets We are committed to researching, testing, and promoting the best results. We may receive commissions from purchases made after visiting links within our content. Learn more about our review process.

Bitcoin has become the world by storm, offering a currency option to the government-backed currencies we all know from daily use. Advocates argue that the digital coins are easier, safer, and offer better privacy than traditional currencies. Because the value of a Bitcoin compared to the U.S. dollar and other currencies has skyrocketed over the years, it has shown up on some people’s radar as an investment possibility as well.

Before you put a dollar into Bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency, it is important to understand the risks. Bitcoin could easily double in value over the next few years, but it could just as easily drop to near zero in value. Only put in what you can afford to lose because there is a chance you won’t get it back. If you understand the risks and you’re ready to move forward, any of these best Bitcoin wallets should have you covered.

1 Best Overall: Coinbase

Coinbase is one of the simplest ways to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies, which earns it the first spot on this list. With Coinbase, you can relate to a U.S. bank account and easily transfer dollars in or out of your wallet. You can use those dollars, or transfer in new ones, to buy and sell. In interest to Bitcoin, Coinbase currently supports Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Litecoin. There are constant rumors of additional currencies like Ripple getting support from Coinbase as well.

While the big upside of Coinbase is the ease of use, that is offset with some concerns about security. Mt. Gox was at one point the dominant platform for Bitcoin and other currencies. That is until it was hacked and lost nearly half a billion dollars in user currency. But Coinbase did get from Mt. Gox’s loss, and has very firm security in place, and regularly updates and changes the entire user experience.

2 Best for Security: Trezor

Trezor isn’t a full buying and selling program like Coinbase. Rather, it is simply a place to store your Bitcoin. Trezor is a physical device that plugs into your computer, tablet, or phone to obtain your coins. The Trezor wallet works with multiple currencies and works as a password manager, two-factor authentication device, and other useful features.
This wallet offers some protections on lost passwords and lost devices, but you should learn from other’s sad education and make sure that nevermore, ever happens. The entire point of this digital Bitcoin wallet is to keep others from stealing your Bitcoin, so you can assume the recovery process is not certainly an easy one.

3 Best for Desktop: Electrum

Electrum is a software wallet, which means your Bitcoin is stored in a set of encrypted files on your laptop or desktop computer. It is currently available for Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Python, and Android. Electrum can work with some physical wallets and has some flexibility compared to just using a hardware wallet like Trezor.

The big benefit is that you can quickly get up and running and store your Bitcoin on your own computer. But if that computer crashes, is lost in a house fire, or ends up hacked or corrupted, you could lose your coins. The app does support a recovery process and allows you to create a physical “cold storage” with a printed or handwritten set of keys.

4Best Online: Blockchain

Blockchain is the technology that allows Bitcoin and other digital currencies to exist. Expect to hear more about Blockchain far beyond the digital currency world. The Blockchain wallet is similar to Coinbase in that it is an online wallet and you can buy and sell directly through the platform in more than 35 countries.

Blockchain also allows you to send and receive cryptocurrencies for a small fee. This includes Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Stellar Lumens, and more. To keep your wallet safe, Blockchain recommends completing the three key security features in your account: email verification, two-factor authentication, and a back-up security phrase. Regardless, Blockchain backs up your funds for added security.

5Best for Free Buying and Selling: Robinhood

Robinhood started as a free stock trading platform and has expanded to include support for options and other investments, including cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. Robinhood is both a wallet and an exchange like Coinbase, so everything is in one place. However, you can’t currently transfer coins to and from Robinhood with another wallet.

Robinhood is a mobile-first platform, but has a desktop version for many of its stock trading customers. And what really sets Robinhood apart is the cost: free. There are no commissions when buying or selling Bitcoin, just like stocks on the platform. Some may argue it is less secure for reasons we already discussed, but if it is secure enough for your stocks, it is most likely secure enough for your coins.

6Best for Intuitive Desktop Use: Exodus

Courtesy of Exodus

Journey is a software wallet like Electrum, but much more beautiful and intuitive to use. It offers comparable benefits for security but looks a lot different. The desktop-only, Trezor-integrated wallet becomes your digital currencies, Bitcoin and many others, into a portfolio with diagrams and charts. You can change and store coins right in the app, too.
There is no account setup, so your currency and wallet are just for you. Be careful with that computer, but also know that Exodus holds private key encryption and other useful security tools. Thanks to the portfolio and strong views, it is great for anyone with a background in buying who wants to take to digital currency.

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Understanding the Digital Society

UNDERSTANDING THE DIGITAL SOCIETY

Digital Society

Digital innovations are reshaping our society, economy, culture, and lifestyle. Their ability to impact – and potentially advance – all aspects of our society cannot be overstated, resulting in a need for vigorous interdisciplinary research, from the application of digital innovations to benefit our daily life to a thorough understanding of the relationship between digital progression and society.

A sample of City University of Hong Kong’s digital technology research projects

Multidimensional data is an important part of “big data”, which is a buzzword for the unprecedented development of internet and communications systems, and computing and mobile devices in the digital era. While big data promises great potential, fundamental mathematics and computing concepts are still being actively developed and hotly debated.
Professor Hong Yan, chair professor of Electrical Engineering, is leading research examining mathematical models and computer algorithms for a computing model – tensor computing – and its application in multidimensional data analysis, and image and biomedical data analysis.

One of his projects uses biomedical data to look into the causes of drug resistance in lung cancer cases with the aim of personalizing treatment.
In the digital age, privacy, trust, and security are some of the key concerns for online activities and platforms. Researchers from the field of computer science at CityU are leading a collaborative research project, which includes experts from other universities in Hong Kong, to develop new security and privacy-enhancing technologies for cloud storage to enable users to search encrypted data, verify results from data analytics and safely access cloud services.

Academics from the department of information systems are beginning research related to blockchain technology, extending its uses beyond banking and financial services, from encrypted keyword searches to information security in the food supply chain system.
CityU scientists are leading interdisciplinary research to understand the impact of digital technology on society. Dr. Ayoung Suh, a social scientist in the School of Creative Media and the department of data systems, is exploring how people’s virtual experience using media technologies affects their attitudes, thoughts, and behaviors, such as “nomophobia” – the stress of being without a mobile phone.

City University of Hong Kong’s digital technology research Digital Society

The first data science school and research institute in Hong Kong

In reply to the increasing demand for data scientists and engineers, CityU started the School of Data Science and the Hong Kong Institute for Data Science.

The first such freestanding academic unit concentrating on data science in Hong Kong, the SDSC serves as a campus-wide educational resource, fostering collaboration and training high-caliber students from data science-related industries.

The HKIDS serves as a hub for joint research to tackle challenging problems in data science.

These actions reflect CityU’s strategic development to meet the demands of a data-driven economy now and in the future.
Related: Digital society and the information age

WHAT CAUSE DEPRESSION : CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS MUST READ | TECHNIHELPS.COM

what cause depression Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. It can affect anyone at nearly any age, but the reasons some people become depressed are not always known. Researchers doubt there are actually many different causes of depression and that it is not always preventable. Parts that can contribute to depression include heredity, brain chemistry, some medical conditions, substance use, stress, and poor nutrition.

what cause depression

It is expected that 10% to 15% of the global population will feel clinical depression in their lifetime. The World Health Organization estimates 5% of men and 9% of women feel depressive disorders in any provided year.

Brain & Body Risk Factors

There are several different things that can make depression including factors related to the brain and body. Amazing things that can increase your risk for depression include the understanding.

Brain Chemistry Inequalities

One possible biological cause of depression is an imbalance in the neurotransmitters which are included in mood regulation.2 Certain neurotransmitters, including dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, play an important role in mood.

Neurotransmitters are synthetic substances that help different areas of the brain communicate with each other. When certain neurotransmitters are in short supply, it may lead to the signs we recognize as clinical depression.

This theory of depression suggests that having too much or too little of certain neurotransmitters causes, or at least offers to, depression. While this information is often cited as a primary cause of depression, it remains unproven and many experts believe that it doesn’t paint a complete picture of the complex parts that contribute to depression.

Medications to treat depression often focus on altering the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Some of these treatments include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).

Physical Health & Certain Medical Conditions

You may be more likely to feel symptoms of depression if you have a chronic illness, sleep disorder, or thyroid condition. Depression rates also tend to be higher among people who have chronic pain, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and cancer.1

The mind and the body are linked. If you are experiencing a physical health problem, you may discover changes in your psychic health as well. 

Illness is related to depression in two ways. The stress of having a chronic disease may trigger an episode of major depression. In addition, certain illnesses, such as thyroid disorders, Addison’s disease, and liver disease, can cause depression symptoms.3

Female Sex Hormones

It has been widely documented that women experience major depression about twice as often as men. Because of the incidence of depressive disorders peaks as women’s reproductive years, it is believed that hormonal risk factors may be at play.4

Women are especially prone to depressive disorders during times when their hormones are in flux, such as around the time of their menstrual period, pregnancy, childbirth, and perimenopause.

Hormone changes caused by childbirth and thyroid conditions can also contribute to depression. Postpartum depression may occur after a woman has given birth and is believed to occur from the rapid hormonal changes that take place immediately after giving birth.

In addition, a woman’s depression risk declines after she goes through menopause.

Family History & Genetics

A family history of depression is another significant risk factor. You are more likely to experience symptoms of depression if others in your family also have depression or another type of mood disorder. Estimates suggest that depression is approximately 40% determined by genetics.4

Twin, adoption, and family studies have linked depression to genetics. While studies suggest that there is a strong genetic component, researchers are not yet certain about all the genetic risk factors for depression.1

Researchers have found that having a parent and grandparent with depression doubles the risk of depression.2

It is still unclear exactly which genes play a role in depression and other mood disorders, but researchers do know that there are many different genes that can play a role. By better understanding how they function, gene researchers hope to be able to create more effective treatments.

It is important to remember that no single cause of depression acts in isolation. Genetic factors may be a major risk factor, but scientists also believe that genes and the environment interact to control exactly how these genes are expressed.

Physical Health & Certain Medical Conditions

You may be more likely to feel symptoms of depression if you have a chronic illness, sleep disorder, or thyroid condition. Depression rates also tend to be higher among people who have chronic pain, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and cancer.1

The mind and the body are linked. If you are experiencing a physical health problem, you may discover changes in your psychic health as well. 

Illness is related to depression in two ways. The stress of having a chronic disease may trigger an episode of major depression. In addition, certain illnesses, such as thyroid disorders, Addison’s disease, and liver disease, can cause depression symptoms.3

Female Sex Hormones

It has been widely documented that women experience major depression about twice as often as men. Because of the incidence of depressive disorders peaks as women’s reproductive years, it is believed that hormonal risk factors may be at play.4

Women are especially prone to depressive disorders during times when their hormones are in flux, such as around the time of their menstrual period, pregnancy, labor, and perimenopause.

Hormone changes caused by childbirth and thyroid conditions can also contribute to depression. Postpartum depression may occur after a woman has provided birth and is believed to occur from the rapid hormonal changes that take place immediately after giving birth.

In addition, a woman’s depression risk declines after she goes through menopause.