Wednesday, March 25, 2020

How do we save ourselves from COVID-19?

With the recent outbreak of Covid-19 in Wuhan, China and its rapid spread to other countries have put human life in danger. It has become a necessity to combat and limit the spread of this virus to save the entire human race. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms and precautions of the Covid-19 virus. 

What are the symptoms of COVID-19? 


When the human body comes in contact with this virus, it faces diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). This disease spreads from person to person, those who come in close contact via respiratory droplets just like any other respiratory pathogens. When the affected person sneezes or coughs, the respiratory droplets fall on the surface and gets transferred to others by physical contact.

It mainly affects the respiratory system of the human body and causes difficulty in breathing, fever, and cough. The symptoms might take approximately 2 to 15 days to show on an individual after coming in contact with the virus. Some individuals with a strong immune system may catch the virus, fall sick for a while and recover whereas others with weaker immune systems tend to experience serious sickness.

What are the protective measures you need to take? 


Wash your hands frequently

Clean hands mean no germs and no sickness, the same rule goes for the Covid-19. Washing your hands frequently with a nice alcohol-based handwash or soap can stop the spread of this virus. If soap is not available, a 60% alcohol bases hand sanitizer will also do. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, especially after visiting any public/crowded place, coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. By following this, you kill all the viruses that are there on your hand. 

Keep social distance

Keep around one meter (three feet) distance from people, especially from the ones who are sneezing or coughing. If there is an infected person around you, he/she is likely to catch a cold and cough. They may spray small droplets from their mouth or nose while coughing and sneezing, which may contain the virus. If you come in close contact with the infected person and breathe in the droplets with the Covid-19 virus, you will catch it too.

Stay home

Your home is the safest place to be from the Covid-19 virus. Avoid going to public places as much as possible unless it is very important. You can contribute to society in fighting this pandemic by self-quarantine until the next update from the government.

Avoid touching mouth, nose, and eyes

It is very important to avoid this habit as you touch many surfaces and pick up the viruses from the same. Once your hands get contaminated with the virus and it can enter your body through mouth, nose or eyes.

Follow respiratory hygiene

Following respiratory hygiene is another important protective measure one should follow. Whenever you sneeze or cough, make sure you cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or hanky. Dispose of the used tissue into a covered bin immediately and wash the hanky with a good detergent. Sneezing or coughing into your bent elbow is also a good practice. By following this simple hygiene, you can protect your loved ones and other people around you from catching flu, cold and Covid-19.

Keep yourself updated

The government and healthcare organizations provide all the necessary updates about this pandemic. Do follow and stay updated on all the latest news, preventions, measures and cures invented (if any).

Plan your travel accordingly

As this catastrophic pandemic has affected the whole world, it is recommended avoid traveling to mainland Italy, Iran, China, and South Korea. Postpose all your trips until the situations are under control or so described by the government authorities. Older citizens and individuals suffering from chronic medical conditions are strictly advised to stay indoors and avoid nonessential travel to other countries. Check websites of WHO and CDC for the latest advice and updates before traveling internationally.

Avoid public transports

Traveling via your vehicles is far safer than taking a means of public transport. Hundreds and thousands of people use public transports, also the who are infected but not tested positive.

What are the protective measures to prevent it from spreading? 

Seek medical help if you have cough, fever and breathing difficulty

If you are suffering from cold, fever and breathing difficulty, seek medical help as soon as possible. Distance yourself from people, especially the older ones as they tend to get affected soon because of the low immune system. Isolating yourself to keep others safe and avoid the spread of this virus is the best step you can take. We do know, it is emotionally challenging but is a prime necessity at the moment.

Isolate

The best way to prevent this virus is to avoid exposure in public. Staying indoors in a separate room can control the spread to others and your family. In case the illness is severe staying at the hospital is the solution.

Wear a facemask

Those who are infected with Covid-19 should wear a facemask to prevent the respiratory droplets from infecting others. If you are sharing the room or are surrounded by other people or going to visit the doctor in the hospital, there are chances of others catching this virus. It is always better to cover yourself with a facemask. In case you find difficulty in breathing in the facemask, be sure to cover your coughs and sneezes. Follow the medical advice offered by your health care provided strictly. If you are not sick but are taking care of the sick, please wear a facemask as a precaution.

Disinfect and clean

Remember the saying ‘Cleanliness is the key to good health, well it is indeed right. Clean and disinfect all the surfaces in your home that you touch frequently. You can clean them daily with soap or detergent and water. This includes doorknobs, tables, chairs, light switches, keyboards, toilets, sinks, faucets, countertops, handles, desks, and phones.

Avoid sharing

Do not share your food, bedding, dishes, glasses, and other household items with others if you are sick. Use a separate bathroom and clean it daily if you live with a family in a single house.

We hope this article will help you and provide you with all the necessary information. Take care of your health, protect yourselves and others by following the above mentioned precautionary measures. Together we can fight this pandemic and uproot it from our lives for the best.

Penned By: Anuja Patil

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