“Fear, left unchecked, can
spread like a virus.” ―Lish McBride, Necromancing the Stone
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. Adding fuel to
the fire, the international media hyped it. In this post, I will outline the dos
and don’ts to protect yourself from this pandemic.
What is Coronavirus?
The dramatic spread of Coronavirus
(COVID-19) 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.
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 some don’ts. 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.
The integrated and
coordinated efforts from all stakeholders including health officials, public
servants and business communities are essential to mitigate the risk and
impact of this unprecedented global health emergency.
References
Share if you care!
Life is great!
Professor
M.S. Rao
Founder of MSR Leadership
Consultants, India
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