How to Best Protect Yourself against the Coronavirus
With the WHO officially declaring COVID-19 a pandemic, people all over the world are scrambling to find out ways on how to protect themselves against the coronavirus.
As the threat is becoming more widespread, the government and healthcare authorities are taking the best possible measures to limit the damage caused by this novel coronavirus.
However, the government alone can only do so much to contain the virus. You, too, need to take steps to protect yourself from COVID-19 and limit its spread to those around you. In this article, we’ve compiled the best coronavirus protection tips for you.
But before you learn how to protect yourself against coronavirus, it’s important to understand how this virus spreads.
How Does the Coronavirus Spread?
The virus is thought to spread mainly when an infected person sneezes or coughs and releases droplets of saliva and mucus. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are in close contact with the infected person (within 6 feet of distance).
Moreover, they can be picked up by the hands and transferred to healthy individuals when they touch their face. The virus may also land on hard surfaces, so when a healthy person touches them, they may get infected. However, how long the virus survives can vary.
How to Protect Yourself against the Coronavirus
Here are some important coronavirus protection tips that you must follow.
· Wash Your Hands Frequently
Coronavirus can be controlled by properly washing your hands with soap and water. Take at least 20 seconds to rub the back of your hands, between the fingers, and under the nails with soap and then wash thoroughly. When you’re outside and don’t have access to water and soap, use a hand sanitizer every 30 to 40 minutes to clean your hands. The hand sanitizer should have an alcohol content of at least 60%.
· Stay Home and Maintain Social Distancing
The primary route of coronavirus transmission is person-to-person contact. Social distancing is, therefore, very important to stop its spread. Try to keep a distance of 2 meters (6.5 feet) between yourself and other people at all times. Stop going to crowded places and social gatherings for some time. Do not come in close contact with anyone and engage in gestures, such as shaking hands, hugging, or kissing.
· Boost Your Immune System
COVID-19 is a rapidly spreading disease but not a deadly one. The best defense against this disease is a strong immune system. Healthy eating and lifestyle habits can give a much needed boost to your immune system so that it can fight the disease effectively.
Avoid having processed or junk food and replace them with homemade whole foods, such as grains, rice, meat, and eggs. Include a daily serving of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. You can also consult your family physician to include supplements especially vitamin C, zinc and selenium.
Another important thing that affects your immune system is your sleep. Make sure you get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every day to keep your immune system in good condition.
Last Few Words
If you do get sick, make sure to get medical help as early as possible. Wear a face mask and avoid contact with people so that you don’t pass on the infection to others.
The novel coronavirus is taking over the world rapidly. However, good hygiene, social distancing and immunity-boosting habits can be very helpful in protecting you from the disease.