Coronavirus Prevention

Coronavirus Prevention

A way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to know how it spreads. While there is currently no vaccine available to cure COVID-19, experts do know that the virus spreads from person to person.

This means that coming into contact with another person who is carrying COVID-19 increases the likelihood of infection. Thus, preventive measures include social distancing.

Practice social distancing

Authorities are advising that people put at least three feet between them and another person. Social distancing also means avoiding large and mass gatherings where the likelihood of catching the virus is high.

The virus can also spread through respiratory droplets through coughs and sneezes. Cover your mouth and wash your hands thoroughly afterward and avoid people who are showing symptoms of COVID-19.

It also would not hurt to take further steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from infection. It’s important to wash your hands often, as well as wiping down items that you frequently touch around the household.

Clean hands thoroughly and often

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When washing hands, it’s important to get areas under the fingers.

If water and soap are not available, using hand sanitizer or alcohol would suffice. To be effective, your hand sanitizer needs to contain at least 60% alcohol.

Take a liberal amount and rub your hands thoroughly until they are dry.

Avoid touching your face

Even if you think your hands are clean, it’s best to keep it away from your face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

This is easier said than done as the everyday person touches their face more than 20 times per hour on average.

The reason experts are asking people to avoid touching their face is that the hands contain pathogens from touching objects such as doorknobs, cellphones, and keypads.

Touching the face with dirty hands provides the bacteria a clear pathway to the throat and lungs.

Disinfect frequently touched items

In addition to keeping yourself clean, it also helps to wipe down your household items daily. This goes especially for frequently-touched items like doorknobs, light switches, counter-tops, and cellphones, among other things.

Using a solution with 60% alcohol is enough to disinfect your everyday items. Taking time to clean your house reduces the risk of the virus infecting you and the people you live with.

Stay home if you are sick

If you are feeling under the weather, practice self-quarantine and stay at home to avoid catching the coronavirus disease. Do not go outside of the house to go to work, school or public areas. A compromised immune system increases the risk of becoming infected with the coronavirus.

Monitor your symptoms and see whether what you are experiencing is a possible case of COVID-19 or not.

If you are experiencing worsening symptoms of COVID-19, call your doctor before heading out. Additionally, wear a facemask when you are around other people. This applies especially if you are sharing a room or are in the same vehicle.

People, especially older adults, who have underlying medical conditions are at higher risk of experiencing complications from COVID-19. It is important to get medical attention immediately if you are suspecting COVID-19 infection.

Source: Inquirer.net