COVID is a viral condition caused by the coronavirus that appeared in people in December 2019 and has quickly spread across the world.
How does COVID spread?
Spreads through droplets.
Most common gateways for the virus are:
1) When an infected person coughs or sneezes they project droplets of virus out into the air. These droplets, in turn, land on or breathed by others.
2) When the infected droplets land on surfaces and others touch their face after coming in contact with these surfaces.
3) Asymptotic Transmission: When the virus is transferred to others by an infected person who does not show any signs of being sick.
COVID Symptoms:
Tips to stay healthy:
1) Practice Good Hand Hygiene:
Wash and scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds
Use soap and water to wash hands: As soap breaks apart the container that holds the virus leading it to wash away with water
Use a clean or disposable paper towel to dry your hands
If you can't use soap, Hand Sanitizers with 60% alcohol are a good alternative
2) Practice Social Distancing:
Maintain at least 6-feet distance from others
Avoid crowded places and gatherings
Plan your outdoor activities whenever possible, be mindful, wear a mask and avoid having physical contact with surfaces or other people while you are out
3) Wear a Face Cover:
Use clean masks that cover your nose and mouth
If no access to surgical masks, cloth masks are a good alternative
4) Work from Home:
- Staying at home is the best and safest thing you can do
If not possible, while at work:
Wear a mask and make sure those around you also wear a mask
Social Distance at work
Carry a sanitizer at all times
Sanitize the frequently used surfaces near you
Avoid staying in crowded places
5) Take care of your physical and mental health:
Exercise
Eat a healthy diet
Get plenty of sleep
Develop your hobbies
Be mindful of your stress level
6) Improve your immune system:
Human body's first line of defense against lung infection like COVID-19 is the mucous membrane in the lungs, nose and all the airways which trap and remove viruses.
To function properly, there needs to be a continual flow of mucous. However, if the air is too dry which frequently occurs in winter, the mucous will dry out and become pores allowing the virus easy access to our cells.
To prevent this:
1) Should drink plenty of water
2) Maintain body humidity > 50% using a humidifier or boiling water.
Studies have shown that beings living in 50% humidity have greater resistance to flu-virus and much lower mortality rate than the ones living in 20% humidity.
3) Sleeping for at least 7 hours each night can boost your immune system
4) The body needs Vitamin D for proper immune function
Most of the respiratory illness in winter is due to the combination of insufficient sunlight and dry air
Consuming a daily normal dose of Vitamin D decreases the risk of respiratory infection by 50%
5) Consume plenty of zinc found in meat, beans and seeds
6) Reduce sugar intake which will help in reducing overall stress level
7) Changes to body temperature also improve the immune system
Raising your body temperatures such as in a hot tub or sauna increases white blood cells which strengthens the immune system and reduces inflammation
Lowering body temperature in cold bath combined with exercise or heating the body can help improve the immune system
Regular sauna use can decrease susceptibility of the common cold by 50%
7) Don't panic, Prepare:
- Stock up on extra groceries, medicines, other items of your daily needs and avoid panic buying at the last moment
- Avoid public gathering places like a grocery store, supermarket, events, functions, etc. if possible and prefer ecommerce and online super mart services that offers doorstep delivery of products at affordable prices
- As far as possible, prefer home-cooked food as we can be sure of the quality, freshness and it can be heated properly. Virus, if heated at a temperature of 70-72 degrees, cannot survive which reduces the risk
- Avoid or limit travelling to cities that have a lot of COVID cases
8) Proper handling of online shopping and home delivery products:
Handle the package carefully
Take the food out of the package and heat it before consumption. Try buying food items that can be heated before consumption
Corona Virus can live in materials used for packaging of the food. Studies say COVID was detectable in Copper up to 4 hours, in Cardboard up to 24 hours, in plastic and steel up to 72 hours
Dispose any outer packaging into the garbage and immediately wash your hands.
Make sure you don't touch your face after touching the package
9) Don't ignore your symptoms:
Make sure you own a thermometer and measure your temperature regularly
Contact your doctor or local healthcare facility immediately in case you experience any symptoms
Be prepared for online doctor consultation
Make a list of questions and concerns to avoid forgetting anything important before your doctor's visit
10) Understand your RISK:
Keep the disease under control
Ask your doctor if you are at high risk
Know the rates of COVID in the city you live
Continue to take your medications as prescribed and don't take/stop any medicine without doctor's consultation
As there is no proven cure or vaccine for this disease yet, thus having access to proper healthcare and good ventilators can make a big difference
Nice , well written and informative