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Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease brought by the newly discovered SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The outbreak is giving great exhaustion to our health care workers globally. An infected person can suffer mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, severe cases need immediate and keen medical attention to avoid complications like severe lower respiratory tract infection (pneumonia).
Elderly and those who have underlying medical conditions likely to develop cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer. This new coronavirus strain is a huge undertaking. Anyone can die at any age.
This virus spreads fast and comes in different ways. It can enter through the mouth or nose in small liquid particles when an infected person cough, sneeze, speak or breathe.
Since we know the consequences and the gravity of this new virus, the best thing to do is take wise steps to protect ourselves and even our family members.
Here are a few tips on how we can reduce our risk of getting infected with Covid-19:
1. Follow local guidance.
By following your National and Local health protocols, you can reduce your risk of getting infected with that deadly virus. It is essential to know what is the most relevant information in your area.
2. Always keep your distance.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advises everyone to keep at least a 1-meter distance from others. It is best to keep your distance, even though you have not seen any symptoms from them. Having a covid does not only necessarily mean showing severe symptoms. Others can be infected and can work without acting they have the virus.
3. Wash your hands regularly.
Make handwashing part of your routine. Scrubbing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been to a public place or after coughing or sneezing, can reduce the risk of getting viruses entering your body. If you are far from the sink, alcohol-based sanitizers can help.
Aside from frequently washing of hands, you can also practice few things such as:
– Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes.
– Limit physical contact with people.
– Cleaning or disinfecting surfaces or objects you often hold.
– Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
4. Wear a mask.
Facemasks became a daily and vital accessory to fight Covid-19. Wearing a three-layer well-fitting mask is a way to combat and prevent any viruses from entering your body. Aside from keeping your distance, a facemask is a great defense if you have difficulty finding space if you are in a closed indoors.
5. Limit your travel.
Our higher authorities have been busy tackling issues about travel bans and travel restrictions. They believe that stricter travel limitations to non-essential travelers can help ease and bring down the numbers of Covid-19 active cases as well as deaths. If your travel is not essential, you have to stay home or do your business in your location. However, if it is between life and death and you need to cross borders, you are advised to comply and follow all the requirements and safety measures and the state’s quarantine rules to prevent the spread of the virus.
6. Avoid crowded places
Avoiding a crowded place can help reduce your risk of contracting the Covid-19 virus. If you are elderly or a person with underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart and lung diseases, or cancer, always remember to keep your distance from people. In case you can’t avoid being into poorly ventilated or narrow space areas.
7. Refrain from touching surfaces
Avoid touching surfaces if you are in a public area. You don’t know who else has been on that chair or desk. If you can’t avoid such a setting, make sure to clean surfaces regularly with standard disinfectants.
8. Watch for people who are showing symptoms.
The symptoms of infection for the coronavirus are similar to the flu. Symptoms can appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. These symptoms can include:
– Diarrhea
– Congestion or runny nose
– Muscle or body aches
– New loss of taste or smell
– Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
– Fever or chills
– Cough
– Fatigue
– Headache
– Sore throat
– Nausea or vomiting
So if you have one or more symptoms listed here, it is best to consult a medical expert and get tested immediately. Do not prolong any of the symptoms to prevent complications and other respiratory damages.
9. Get vaccinated
Many are still hesitant about getting the Covid-19 vaccines. However, the most effective way to protect yourself and others is to get vaccinated. The vaccine works, and it is showing positive results to both people who have contacted Covid-19. Researchers, scientists, and medical experts are rough articulating how vaccines are vital to one’s body. They all conclude that vaccines are safe, effective in fighting the deadly and contagious Delta Variant. The vaccine will boost your immunity and respiratory system that is the common target of the virus.
Medical authorities, scientists, researchers, and everyone working in the medical field is doing their very best to lessen the digits of new and death cases. By following simple and basic health protocols and simple steps given above, we prevent spreading the virus.
