How to Combat the Menace of COVID-19?

There are many that have watched the spread of Corona-Virus across the globe with disinterest for months, but in the past week, the increasing number of cases has left everyone on a high alert. With many people being ultra-cautious about this growing virus by keeping themselves well informed about its symptoms and effects on the human body. Yes, it is scary but the flip side of it is that we the people can overcome it and make things better before it gets too late. This can happen only if we are willing to take a step forward in combating the menace of COVID-19. Yes, the government is taking measures to fight this virus such as shutting down schools, institutes, and businesses and bringing out awareness about social distancing. If the government is doing this, then there is a part that we also have to play in this. If we don’t, then various reports predict that a significant number of infections could occur and more people would require medical care and the number of casualties could increase. In this blog, we will talk about some precautions and measures that we can take to fight back this menace of COVID-19. Before we go to the precautions, it is important to know how this virus really spreads? If you don’t know what it is then, how can you combat it?

Know the spread of Corona-Virus

• Currently, there is no preventive vaccine for COVID-19.

• The only way to prevent this illness is to avoid getting infected or exposed to the virus.

• Corona-virus spreads from one person to another; especially between individuals who have close proximity of about 6 feet or under.

• Its mode of spread is through respiratory droplets( airborne).

• When an infected person sneezes or coughs the infected droplets are spread in the air. Thus, infecting others that inhale the infected air.

• The infected droplets reach your mouth and nose and are inhaled into your lungs.

How to protect yourself from getting infected?

1. Social distancing:

This should be our primary approach to distance ourselves socially. This is because the virus is airborne and contact-based, it is then crucial for us to keep a distance from one another. To keep up with this has caused many schools, universities, offices, shops, and restaurants to close down until any further notice from the Government. Social distancing means that many are working from home and have been asked not to meet in groups of more than 10. Doing this will help to control the spread of this virus by keeping it in one place and fighting it. * Avoid visiting crowded places. Remain self- quarantined until the pandemic subsides.

2. Washing your hands at regular intervals:

Self-hygiene is the best way to beat COVID-19. Make sure to clean your hands often. Make sure to wash your hands with soap water or you can wash them with liquid soap for at least 20 seconds. Especially after visiting a public place, or after you cough, sneeze or blow your nose. Keep a hand sanitizer handy all the time. Make sure to use a hand sanitizer that contains about 60% alcohol content. Make sure to use it liberally by covering all the surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until it gets completed absorbed. *Do not touch your face, eyes, nose, and mouth without washing your hands.

3. Avoid proximity with people who have less immunity:

In order to protect yourself and others around you, make sure to avoid close contact with people who are sick. This is because those who are sick already have less immunity and have greater chances of catching a disease than a healthy person. So, if you’re already sick make sure to stay indoors and away from your family members. This is for your safety and the safety of your loved ones.

4. Cover your face while sneezing and coughing

Make sure to cover your face when you cough or sneeze. It would be better to cough or sneeze inside your elbow to avoid the air particles to go out. Make sure to decompose the used tissues in a separate trash bag or trash can. It would be better to run to the washroom when you feel the urge to sneeze or to cough. If soap and water are not available then keep a hand sanitizer readily available so that you can clean your hands with that.

5. Wear a face mask

It is important to wear a face mask to protect yourself from any airborne diseases. If you are sick:  Make sure to wear a face mask if you are sick especially when you are around healthy people. If you are unable to wear a mask then the best thing would be not to go outside. For those who are not sick: If you are not sick, then you need not wear a face mask but if you are taking care of someone who is sick then you must wear one. All caretakers of a sick person must wear a face mask.

6. Clean and disinfect your surroundings

Make sure to disinfect your surroundings. Thin includes your room, your study tables, doorknobs, lights, laptops, phones, keyboards, toilets, and sinks. In case you find any dirty surfaces, clean them. If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use a detergent prior to disinfection. All of us have a choice to make - to take precautions and fight COVID-19. We all can work in unison to get through this pandemic. Stay safe, and stay healthy. Take care of yourselves and of your fellow brethren. Must Watch: COVID19- Everything you need to know as a Doctor