Since the outbreak of the new coronavirus in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, the disease has spread exponentially. More than 11 million have been affected by the virus in dozens of countries, while more than 5 lakh people have died globally from the disease. With an increasing number of COVID-19 cases around the globe, the more desperate governments are taking efforts to sway the spread of the disease by providing a lot of coronavirus tips to the people. Several countries have imposed strict lockdown to restrain the infection. But, how long can a country be in lockdown? The Government and people are on a quest to get back to a normal routine.
As the search for a vaccine continues, it is time for us to be more responsible and work with the government to fight this virus together. It becomes a necessity to ensure that proper protective and preventive measures are taken to protect yourself and your family members from this deadly disease. As an individual, you have an indispensable role in slowing the spread of the COVID-19.
As of now, you have gotten the basic knowledge about coronavirus, you might be following all the precautionary measures like washing your hands regularly and maintaining social distancing. But you will still have a lot of questions on your mind like how does coronavirus spread? How exactly will preventive measures help in protecting you from COVID-19?
Here’s what you need to know
How Does Coronavirus Spread?
Like any living organism, COVID-19 virus multiplies and spread to ensure that they survive. The rapid transference of the virus is one of the biggest challenges in controlling its spread. It is pivotal to learn how the virus spreads in order to protect you and your family from it.
Person-To-Person Spread
COVID-19 spreads very easily between people. Research suggests that the virus is spreading more efficiently than influenza, making it highly contagious. The virus is believed to spread mainly from person to person under the following conditions.
Getting in close contact with the infected person
When respiratory droplets produced by the infected person fall on people in the vicinity and are either directly inhaled or picked up on the hands and gets transferred when someone touches their face
Can be spread through droplets landing on surfaces. However, the transmission depends on how long the virus survives on the surface.
Can be spread by people who do not develop any symptoms. Such people are called asymptomatic carriers.
In general, the more closely a person gets in contact with the infected, and the longer the interaction, the higher the risk of getting COVID-19.
Animals To Person Spread
After a few positive cases were reported in animals later this year, an investigation was launched. But the investigation proved that animals do not play a substantial role in spreading SARS-CoV-2. However, human-to-animal transmission can occur in some situations. So, if you have pets, treat them as you would treat your other family members to protect them from possible infection.
Coronavirus Tips To Protect Yourself And Prevent The Spread Of The Disease
Here’s a checklist of steps to ensure that you protect yourself and your family from coronavirus.
1. Wash Your Hands The Right Way
First things first. Maintaining good hand hygiene helps in preventing the spread of the virus from one person to another. Wet your hands with clean, running water, use soap to lather your hands and scrub vigorously, including your wrists, between your fingers, and fingernails for at least 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub that contains at least 60% alcohol.
2. Avoid Close Contact
Don’t get too close to people who show symptoms of coronavirus or who is sick. Maintain 6 to 10 feet distance between yourself and other people. Remember that people without any symptoms may also be able to spread the disease. Researchers report that person-to-person contact is the major cause of transmission of coronavirus. So, ensure that you maintain a safe distance from people.
3. Wear A Face Mask
Wear a cloth face mask (surgical masks and N95 respirators are to be used primarily by health care workers and other frontline workers) when you are out in public places like grocery stores or vegetable markets.
This can block the liquid droplets and can prevent the spread of the virus to others if you are infected. Be mindful of the fact that wearing masks is not a substitute for maintaining social distancing.
4. Use Your Elbow For Sneezing Or Coughing
When you cough or sneeze into your hand, you increase the chance of spreading the virus to other surfaces that you touch. So always use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing and then throw the tissue in the bin. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow or upper arm.
5. Break The Face-Touching Habit
As already stated, coronavirus can be mainly spread through hand-to-hand contact. For that reason, you should try to avoid touching your face with your hands. Keep tissues handy. When you want to touch your face, use tissues to rub your itchy eyes or nose, and throw the used tissue in the bin.
6. Clean And Disinfect Your Home, Phone, And Any High-Touch Surfaces
In between regular cleaning, daily clean the frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, countertops, remotes, mobile phones, sinks, faucets, toilet flushers, and cabinet or drawer pulls. Use the right disinfectant for cleaning. You don’t need hospital-grade cleaners. Your regular household cleaners are sufficient.
7. Restrict Your Travel
Though the government has liberalized the lockdown restrictions, it is still smart to stay at home, especially if you’re at a high risk of developing serious complications. Make only essential trips like trips to grocery stores, or pharmacies.
8. Monitor Your Health And Boost Your Immune System
Know the symptoms of coronavirus like fever, cough, shortness of breath, or others and watch for it. On top of all these preventive measures, maintaining a strong immune system is considered the best defence against COVID-19.
So, this is the time to focus on healthy food habits that can boost your immunity and stay protected from coronavirus. Ensure that you get enough zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients from your food.
A Word From Fine Fettle
It never hurts to be prepared. The spread of the disease can only be controlled if every individual follows these precautionary measures and implements the recommended coronavirus tips for personal protection. Following these preventive measures can protect you not just from coronavirus, but from any other common illness.
