All statements are related to COVID-19 Illness, except?

NIMHANS Nursing Officer - 2021

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Appeared in: NIMHANS Nursing Officer - 2021

Explanation

COVID-19 is a respiratory virus, and its established transmission routes do not include blood.
While the virus can be detected in the blood of infected individuals (viremia), this is not a recognized pathway for spreading the virus from one person to another.
Bloodborne transmission is a characteristic of different pathogens, such as HIV and Hepatitis B/C, which are transmitted through direct contact with infected blood.

Option B: This is a valid mode of transmission. The conjunctiva of the eye is a mucous membrane, which can serve as a portal of entry for the virus if contaminated respiratory droplets or fluids come into contact with it.
Option C: This is a valid mode of transmission, known as fomite transmission. An infected person's respiratory secretions can contaminate surfaces, and the virus can then be transferred to a susceptible person who touches that surface and then their face.
Option D: This is the primary and most significant mode of transmission for COVID-19. The virus is spread through respiratory droplets and smaller airborne particles (aerosols) that are generated when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Modes of transmission for COVID-19 as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the correct modes of transmission is critical for nurses to implement appropriate Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures and protect themselves and their patients.
IPC strategies for COVID-19 are based on its known routes: use of masks (for droplet/airborne), hand hygiene and surface disinfection (for contact/fomite), and eye protection (for mucous membrane exposure).
What if? If a patient with COVID-19 requires an aerosol-generating procedure (AGP) like intubation or bronchoscopy, the risk of airborne transmission is much higher. In this case, standard PPE is insufficient. Healthcare workers must use a higher level of respiratory protection, such as an N95 respirator, and the procedure should ideally be performed in a negative-pressure room.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keyword 'except' in the question. This means you are looking for the statement that is FALSE or not applicable to COVID-19 transmission.
Recall the primary ways respiratory viruses spread. Think about common knowledge regarding colds, flu, and COVID-19.
Systematically evaluate each option:
Option D (droplets/airborne) is the most well-known route for respiratory viruses. This is likely a true statement.
Option C (surfaces/fomites) is a common contact transmission route. This is also likely true.
Option B (fluids in eyes) involves mucous membrane contact, a known portal of entry for viruses. This is likely true.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart B (pp 202-403 of 604) p. 3-5

E6 Microbiology Essentials Sastry 4e Part 1 p. 131-133

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart A (pp 26-201 of 604) p. 90-92