The novel coronavirus disease is spreading rapidly across the globe. As the disease hits close to home, take steps to protect yourself and others. Here are some essential tips to prevent COVID-19.
How Does It Spread?
To know how to prevent COVID-19, let us first understand how it spreads. COVID-19 is mainly transferred by droplets produced by coughing or sneezing of a person infected by COVID-19. This can happen in two ways:
Direct spread: Coronavirus spreads from one person to another when you are in close contact (within one meter) with each other or through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in your nose and mouth.
Indirect spread: The virus in the droplet tends to survive on clothes and other surfaces for many days. So, if you come in contact with the contaminated surface and then touch your nose, mouth, or eyes, you may get the disease.
The time between getting the infection and presence of symptoms (incubation period) is between 1-14 days.
What can you do to prevent this spread?
You can do the following to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
1. Wash Your Hands Carefully : Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, more so after coughing or sneezing or after you have been in a crowded place. Work the lather between your fingers, to your wrists, and under the fingernails.
When you cannot wash hands with soap, use a hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
2. Clean and Disinfect Surfaces : Use alcohol-based sanitizer to clean and disinfect surfaces of your home that are frequently touched. This includes doorknobs, handles, furniture, toys, laptop, and much more.
Clean the areas after you get packages or bring groceries. You can use hydrogen peroxide solution of white vinegar for general cleaning.
Mop the floor daily with a 2% detergent solution or 0.2% Lizol solution or Dettol/Savlon 3% solution.
Kitchenwares can be cleaned by dishwashing soap/ washing liquid and need not to be disinfected separately.
3. Maintain Respiratory Hygiene : The novel coronavirus is found in high amounts in the mouth and nose. Droplets can carry it while you cough or sneeze and can also stay on hard surfaces for three days.
So, cover your mouth and nose with your bend elbow or use a tissue while coughing or sneezing. Discard the tissue appropriately.
4. Practice Social Distancing : Social distancing is the practice of staying at home and working remotely whenever possible. If you go out, keep a distance of at least 6 feet from other people.
5. Other Preventive Measures : Here are some steps to prevent COVID-19 according to the Standard Operating Procedure:
While Going Out
Always wear a triple layer /N95/Surgical nose mask or use face cover when you go out of your home.
Wear dedicated plastic slippers while going out.
Don’t touch anything unnecessarily outside your home.
Keep a small pack of hand sanitizer when you are out and use it if you have touched anything suspicious.
Keep things away from you if you have bought anything from out. Always carry a bag or bucket to hold items.
If you have to use the ATM, sanitize the ATM keyboard before and after the use.
Try to use a digital mode of payment as much as possible and avoid taking paper currency from shopkeepers or vendors.
In case if you have to take paper currency, keep that in your hand till you reach home. Later disinfect it using cloth iron.
If you are sick, stay home
Avoid guests at home unless it’s an emergency
Avoid drinking or eating in public places
Do not gather in groups
Use a public staircase whenever possible.
While using a lift, press the button with your finger covered with a paper
Disinfecting Food Items
Wash the vegetables and fruits with lukewarm water by adding salt/baking powder or water with a 2% soap/detergent solution by rubbing with hands. Clean with tap water and store it in the refrigerator.
For the milk pack, follow the same instruction. Cut the pack; pour into pan and heat to boil.
Unpacked food material – that can’t be washed – must be stored at a dedicated place for at least 72 hours.
To Boost Immunity
Daily practice Yogasana, Pranayam, and Meditation for at least 30 minutes.
Drink herbal tea made from Basil, Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Dry Ginger, Mullethi, and Raisin once or twice a day. You can add jaggery and /or fresh lemon juice if needed.
Final Thoughts
COVID-19 is spreading rapidly throughout the world. Our frontline workers are contributing day and night to eradicate this disease. Carry out these preventive measures and play your role in fighting COVID-19. We all together can fight against this virus.
Stay aware. Stay safe from Coronavirus.
Disclaimer: Indian Health Bureau does not claim any responsibility for the information contained in this article. The information may not hold good for everyone. The post is for general awareness only and should not be construed as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Please consult your doctor to know what is good for you.
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