“To
be a philosopher is not merely to have subtle thoughts, nor even to found a
school…it is to solve some of the problems of life not only theoretically, but
practically.” —Henry David Thoreau
COVID-19
has become one of the biggest challenges in human history threatening their
very existence. Several nations have been shaken and the global economy has
been hit hard. Most nations locked down to stop the virus from spreading
further. During the lockdown, I wrote several articles and research papers. One
of the research papers was published by an international journal. I have become
more creative, imaginative, and productive during the global lockdown. I converted
the threat of coronavirus into an opportunity and authored this book on COVID-19.
I am excited to see this book is in your hands. Welcome to COVID-19: Humans’
Search for Humanity.
What is Coronavirus?
“A virus can change the fate
of the world; power has nothing to do with being tiny or giant! Power is
something related to the power hidden within you!” ―Mehmet Murat ildan
Coronavirus Disease
(COVID-19) has become a global menace throwing several challenges and myths. For
the first time, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 disease
to be a pandemic. It has created apprehensions among the people. In this introductory
chapter, I will discuss the dos and don’ts to protect yourself from this pandemic.
The dramatic spread of coronavirus
has disrupted lives, livelihoods, communities, and businesses worldwide. It is
a highly infectious disease spread from person-to-person through sneezing, or
coughing, human to human contact, and contact with contaminated surfaces. It
attacks people with poor immunity. The signs and symptoms include fever, cough,
sore throat, difficulty in breathing, and other flu-like symptoms like running
nose, sneezing and body weakness. The bad news is that there is no vaccine to
prevent it currently. If this virus is not checked it will adversely affect
people’s livelihoods and business continuity globally.
Things to Do
Here are the things to do. Wash
your hands frequently with soap and water or, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
This will remove the virus if it is on your hands. Cover your mouth and nose
with a tissue or a handkerchief when coughing and sneezing. Throw away the used
tissue immediately and wash your hands with soap and water or use an
alcohol-based hand rub. The handkerchief must be washed by yourself daily and
ironed with a hot iron. In this way, you protect others from any virus released
through coughs and sneezes. Maintain a reasonable distance between yourself and
someone who is coughing, sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Hands touch many surfaces that can be contaminated with the virus and you can
transfer the virus from the surface to yourself. If you have fever, cough, and
difficulty in breathing, seek medical care immediately. If possible, call a health
worker and alert them about your condition. Always follow the guidance of your
health care worker. People with flu-like symptoms should use face masks to
cover the nose and mouth and stay home in a well-ventilated room. If you are
caring for individuals who have symptoms, such as cough and fever you are encouraged
to use a face mask to cover your nose and mouth for personal protection. Clean
and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs/handles, car doors,
elevator buttons, etc. daily with a regular household disinfectant or soap and
water. All travelers coming from countries affected by the coronavirus disease should
follow the guidance given by health workers at the airport and other border
entry points.
Things not to Do
Here are the things not to do.
Avoid close contact with people who are visibly sick with flu-like symptoms
(fever, cough, sneeze). When sick with flu-like symptoms avoid going to public
places, offices, and public gatherings. Remain at home to avoid infecting
others. You do not need to wear medical masks if you do not have respiratory
symptoms such as cough, sneezing or running nose. Don’t take self-medication
such as antibiotics. Don’t spit in public. Find a secluded place like toilets
or pit latrines in which to spit. Delay travel to countries that currently have
many patients with coronavirus disease. Avoid travel if you have flu-like symptoms.
Observe these dos and don’ts to keep away from this disease.
Conclusion
“It's in the misery of some
unnamed slum that the next killer virus will emerge.” ―Barack Obama
Klaus Schwab, Founder and
Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum remarked, “COVID-19 is causing
health emergencies and economic disruptions that no single stakeholder can
address.” Therefore, integrated and coordinated efforts from all stakeholders
including health professionals, public servants, and business communities are
essential to mitigate the risk and impact of this unprecedented global health
emergency.
Medical professionals will find
the right alternatives to check this virus. Let us all believe in the power of
the human mind that have checked several challenges in the past. Similarly,
there will be a vaccine for this to check. Let us take appropriate precautions
and wait with patience until then.
“In this disaster lies an
opportunity to reflect and change direction in the hope that if we do, nature
will be far more generous than we deserve.” —David Suzuki
Note: Here is the link to purchase this award-winning book
References
