While the numbers are definitely worrisome, we should be calm about the situation and believe that it will also pass. At the same time, we should be careful to observe the safety tips that are being circulated by health experts through media. Doing so would significantly reduce the risk of contracting not just COVID-19 but also other pathogenic microorganisms like Ebola, SARS, Zika or even the seasonal flu virus.
How to Stay Safe?
The first thing to do is to know important facts about COVID-19. It is such a relief to know that this virus is not showing itself to be airborne, contrary to what certain Chinese authorities are saying. So, the only possibility of contracting the virus is to get in contact with someone who is a carrier of the virus.
Tip #1 If I were you, I would try to avoid the crowd as much as possible.
This is easy for me as I work from home. As for my children, I don't allow them to go out in public places if there's no need to do so. Less people, less contact, less risk.
But what would you do if you can't avoid being with the crowd? Is wearing masks necessary?
Tip #2 If you have any, wear protective gear.
Well, most surgical and N95 masks are already sold out, so many people definitely think that it is a must. It could be helpful in reducing risks but it's not 100 percent certain to make one safe. Having sanitizers or alcohol on hand would also be good.
On the other hand, if you were unable to buy masks because they're sold out, an option would be to use a clean handkerchief. Be sure to use this to cover your nose and mouth area whenever you know someone coughs or sneezes near you.
Tip #3 Avoid touching your face, nose or eyes
This is one of the BIGGEST mistakes that people inadvertently make.
If you go out in public, you touch a lot of surfaces - public transport handles and seats, restaurant tables and chairs, etc. So the bacteria and viruses on those surfaces can be transferred to your hands. And if you touch your face, the microbes can easily infect your systems via your oral or respiratory channels. You need to be aware of this at all times.
Tip #4 Wash your hands with soap and water as often as you need to.
Regular handwashing works a lot better in protecting you against infection compared to wearing masks. Since you’re very likely to get infected from surfaces with microbes that you touched and then you touched your face, the best safety measure is to keep your hands clean by washing them regularly. If you can't wash your hands with soap and water, use hand sanitizers.
Tip #5 Strengthen your body's immune system
Why do some people survive the viral infection and some don’t? Well, it depends on how strong a person's immune system is.
If you do get infected, a strong immune system will increase your chances of survival. Consume food products that will boost your body's immunity. Take vitamin C, fish oil, curcumin, garlic oil, zinc, selenium and vitamin D supplements.
On top of the 5 prevention tips mentioned above, be sure to keep your living areas clean.
- Vacuum your house every day and mop your floors with a disinfectant/bleach solution to help eradicate any bacteria around.
- You could use an air purifier to clean the air in your house too.
- You can use alcohol (or vodka, if that's what you have) for sanitizing surfaces too.
- Do NOT wear shoes into your home. This is the surest way to not only bring bacteria into your home but also cause a myriad of other health problems such as allergies, etc.
- Wash your pet's paws before you let them in your home.
- Change clothes after coming home from work or school. Your clothes also come into contact with public surfaces.
Lastly, don't hesitate to see a doctor if you notice you have flu symptoms. Other influenza strains are going around and the symptoms are mostly the same with Coronavirus infection. Only a qualified doctor can diagnose your condition accurately.
Early detection, whether Coronavirus infection or not, will help to control the spread of the virus and avoid infecting those you come into contact with. If you're down with a cold, stay home and rest until you’re well. Period.
Follow the tips above and you’ll be much safer during this coronavirus ‘outbreak.’ As Benjamin Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Read Related Article: How to Prevent Colds and Flu
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