Coronavirus Disease - How To Protect Yourself And Others

Covid-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. The virus, that started in Wuhan province in China in December 2019, grew to pandemic proportions by March 2020. More than 200 countries are impacted due to the virus. A large number of countries including, the US, the UK, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain are severely affected. As of April 30, 2020, more than 30 lakh people worldwide are infected and more than 2 lakh people across the world have succumbed to Covid-19. Most countries across the world are observing a lock-down situation and the global economy has come to a standstill.

Awareness

Coronaviruses are said to be a group of viruses that are known to cause diseases in birds and mammal. The virus has transmitted to humans and causing respiratory infections. In most cases, the symptoms are mild and people may recover in few days, but in a few people, especially elderly and those suffering from underlying conditions such as diabetes, heart and lung ailments, the symptoms can be lethal. At present, there is no drug or vaccine for the virus and hence the world is gravely concerned with the spread of the virus.

Symptoms

Symptoms of coronavirus infection are similar to what is observed in common cold. A person can experience:

• A dry cough
• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Pneumonia
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

In advanced cases, patients experience serious complications such as severe pneumonia and renal failure which can lead to death.

How to Protect yourself from Coronavirus?

The best way to prevent getting infected through the coronavirus is to avoid exposure to the virus. And, this is why most countries are observing a lock-down situation. As people stay indoors, the chain of infection can be broken. When moving out for essential services, people are suggested to wear a facemask and practice physical distancing. Elderly and those suffering from comorbidities are recommended to stay indoors.

Here are some other measures recommended to prevent getting infected from the coronavirus.

Maintain Hand Hygiene

Wash your hands frequently. Lather your hands with soap and thoroughly wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Hand washing is absolutely necessary after you return from a public place, or after coughing and sneezing.

If washing hands is not feasible, rub your hands with a hand sanitizer that has over 60% alcohol.

Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth.

Practice Physical Distancing

Stay home as much as possible. Avoid close contact with people who appear sick.

When you move out, do keep at least 6 feet distance with others. There may be asymptomatic carriers of the virus who may spread the virus.

Use Mask to Protect Yourself and Others

Using a mask is advisable to curtail the spread of the virus. So, whenever you move out of the house, you must use a facemask. This not only protects you from people who may be infected but also protects others, in case you are infected.

Use a simple cloth facemask to cover your mouth and nose. Do not use facemask designed for healthcare professionals.

A facemask is not a substitute for physical social distancing. Continue to maintain social physical distancing.

Practice Cough Etiquette

Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the used tissue carefully. You can also use the inside of your elbow if tissue is not readily available.

After you cough or sneeze, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Maintain cleanliness

Frequently clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces such as doorknobs, electric switches, handles, phones, toilets, sinks, and faucets to keep yourself safe.

For surfaces that are dirty, clean them with soap and water before disinfecting with a household disinfectant.

Stay Home, Stay Safe!

Till the world become free from the clutches of coronavirus, it is advisable to stay safe and practice recommendations of health experts.