Why do you need coronavirus safety tips and precautions? It is because the infection has affected a huge population around the world and resulted in the death of lakhs of people. While it belongs to the family of coronaviruses, it has deadly results compared to others. The infection caused by novel coronavirus or COVID-19 originated in Wuhan, China in late 2019. While the outbreaks caused by other viruses in the coronavirus family have caused global concern, it never escalated to a pandemic situation. So, when outbreaks occurred in 2003 due to SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and in 2012 with the MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), it never caused such a panic situation. While novel coronavirus can trigger flu-like symptoms in several people, it is not serious. But, when the virus affects a person with underlying medical conditions, it proves fatal.
You need to maintain caution as COVID-19 infections and deaths are rising. Young children, old people, and individuals with a weak immune system are more vulnerable to serious health complications. So, how can you protect yourself from the infection? By following the health guidelines issued by the WHO and the health department in your country, you can prevent the infection from affecting you. Read ahead to know more about it.
About COVID-19
Symptoms Of COVID-19
How do you know you suffer from the infection? COVID-19 causes flu-like symptoms. Some people may not suffer from any symptoms due to the infection. Such people are termed as asymptomatic. In fact, asymptomatic people can pose a huge threat to the transmission of the disease. As they are not aware of the presence of infection, these people may not maintain caution. So, it spreads to others. But, the majority of people can trigger the following signs:
- Dry cough
- Fever
- Aches and pain in the body
- Fatigue
- Nasal congestion
With the pandemic spreading to different parts of the world, some other symptoms are observed among people. Loss of sense of taste or smell is found among people. The novel coronavirus is a new strain. So, scientists are still studying the virus behavior and the extent of the infection. New facts and information regarding the virus are emerging every day and the WHO (World Health Organization) is investigating it.
Why Do You Need To Follow Coronavirus Safety Tips And Precautions?
So, why do you need to follow coronavirus safety tips and precautions suggested by the WHO and the health department of your country? It is because the infection can cause severe complications in some people. While healthy people suffer only mild symptoms and can recover from it within a few days to a few weeks, others can suffer from serious respiratory diseases like pneumonia, leading to death. People are risk of severe complications are young children below ten years of age, elderly people, and individuals suffering from health issues like diabetes, heart problems, or other complications. According to the recent global numbers, it is clear that people above 80 years who suffer from the virus succumb to death compared to the less death rate in people aged between 40 to 50.
If you see the data around the world, the countries that have registered the highest death rate havenumber of deaths in older people are high compared to young people. But, it does not mean that young people need to slack and avoid taking precautions. Young people can also suffer from serious complications and require immediate hospitalization. As the situation is rapidly changing across the globe, the death rates can go up as the pandemic shifts.
Importance Of Coronavirus Safety Tips And Precautions
Why do you need to adhere to the coronavirus safety tips and precautions suggested by the health organizations? It is because the contagious infection has no antivirals or vaccination available to treat or prevent the infection. Currently, many countries are trying to develop a cure as well as vaccination to manage the infection. But, it may take some time for any of these vaccines to hit the market. Scientists are also trying to check if antivirals used for treating HIV or the flu can offer results. Studies are also on the way to check if hydro chloroquine, a common antimalarial medication can offer effective protection from coronavirus infection. But, you need to understand that even in an emergency situation, it takes a long time to develop vaccination. It is because scientists need to identify candidates for vaccines and getting approval for clinical testing.
Several scientists are now racing against time to introduce an effective vaccination for offering against the deadly virus. The vaccine needs to undergo several rigorous stages of testing to ensure its safety as well as efficacy. So, it may take several years to see results. It is also not clear if the coronavirus outbreak will reach its peak before the introduction of the vaccination.
Keep Yourself Safe With Coronavirus Safety Tips And Precautions
You need to understand the seriousness of the pandemic situation. Since it is a new virus, the exact extent of the damage it can cause remains unknown. Most people succumb to the infection because no one has a natural immunity to the virus. Coronaviruses like SARS or MERS-CoV are on the watchlist of the WHO along with influenza and Ebola with pandemic potential. Since the novel coronavirus has spread worldwide and the WHO has declared it a pandemic, the general public a high risk of suffering from complications. It is a health emergency of international concern, which you must never ignore. While the evidence collected by the scientists indicated that coronavirus infection has a lower fatality rate compared to SARS and MERS, it has become a serious issue due to the contagious nature.
SARS and MERS affected only a limited number of population. But, coronavirus has spread around the world, almost in all countries around the world. So, it is essential to take adequate containment as well as control measures to prevent complications. Coronavirus infection is feared because it can spread without detection. Some percentage of people may show no symptoms (asymptomatic) or suffer from mild symptoms. So, they may not take control measures seriously. It only leads to the spreading of the infection. This has resulted in many countries imposing or extending lockdowns. Every country around the world is trying to flatten the curve, which means avoiding the spiking of the number of affected people. It will only result in overwhelming health systems.
General Coronavirus Safety Tips And Precautions
Instead of suffering from the coronavirus infection and its complications, you need to follow the general coronavirus safety tips and precautions. With ample caution, you can keep the contagious viral infection away. Here are some of the general guidelines suggested by medical professionals and health organizations:
Hand Washing
Good hand hygiene is essential to avoid catching coronavirus infections. It is one of the main coronavirus safety tips and precautions you need to follow. By washing your hands frequently, you can keep the harmful germs away. Use soap and water to create a lather. Rub your hands, the back of your hands, between the fingers, thumb, and nails to wash off the harmful pathogens. You need to wash your hands before the following:
- Preparing food
- Eating food
- Touching your face
- Using a mask
It is also necessary to clean your hands after the following:
- Come from outside
- Using the toilet
- Eating the food
- Removing a mask
- Opt For Hand Sanitizer
When soap and water are not available, then you need to opt for a hand sanitizer to kill the germs from your hands. Select hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to kill off all the germs. Remember, hand sanitizer can only eliminate the germs on your hands, but it cannot cut through dirt or grime. So, if your hands are not clean, then you need to use soap and water to clean your hands.
Maintain Social Distancing
You never know if people who come out in public have COVID-19 or not. A small percentage of people suffering from coronavirus infection show no signs. In such cases, coming in close contact with them can increase your chances of infection. So, maintain a distance of at least six feet. Social distancing is essential to avoid the spread of infection.
Opt For A Mask
Wearing a mask can prevent respiratory droplets from spreading to others. So, you need to wear a mask when you go out in public. The general public can opt for a cloth face mask. If you have high chances of coming in contact with infected people, then you need to use a surgical mask. So, people who are looking after ill or quarantined individuals must choose a surgical mask. A healthcare worker who cares for the coronavirus infected patients every day needs to wear an N95 respirator.
Coronavirus Safety Tips And Precautions While Caring For Sick Person
Not all people who have the coronavirus infection have severe symptoms. So, people who only suffer from mild infections can stay at home and recover. They do not need hospitalization and can get better with proper care at home. When you have someone who has tested positive for coronavirus infection, then you need to follow certain guidelines. These safety tips and precautions will protect others in your home even when you care for a sick person.
Isolation
People who suffer from the infection need to keep away from others as much as possible. So, they need to stay away from their pets and other family members. Try to look after them in a separate room with a bathroom attached. No one else must use the room or toilet.
Good Ventilation
When you share a common space in your home, you need to ensure it has good airflow. So, you need to open the window, air conditioner or air filter to ensure good ventilation.
Use A Face Mask
The sick person needs to cover their face and nose with a face mask. Using a face mask is ideal as it prevents the contaminated respiratory droplets from reaching other places. There are three different types of masks. Opt for a cloth-made face mask for people above two years of age. You need to follow the right technique to use or remove the face mask. Cleaning or disposing it is essential to ensure complete safety. If the person in quarantine cannot use a facemask due to breathing problems, then the person taking care of them must use the face mask.
Use Tissue
Ask the person who is sick to cough or sneeze in tissue by covering the nose and mouth. They need to throw the tissue in a trash bag lined garbage can. After disposing of the tissues, they need to wash their hands with soap and water or use a sanitizer.
Never Share Personal Items
People who are self-quarantining or recovering at home from coronavirus infection must have separate cups, dishes, eating utensils, and glasses. They must never share these items with others living under the same room. If you are caring for the sick person, then after they use the items, you need to wash them in hot soapy water or use a dishwasher. Also, use separate beddings, towels, and other personal items. Wash them in hot water with laundry detergent.
Avoid Visitors
You must avoid visitors into your home. Ask visitors not to visit your home until the sick person recovers. The visitor’s ban is specifically needed for young children, older adults, and people with other medical conditions. They can catch coronavirus infection easily compared to others.
One Of The Safety Tips And Precautions: Clean And Disinfect
When you wash the sick person’s clothing, you need to maintain caution. Use gloves to handle clothes. Always wash the clothes the sick person uses like clothing, towels, and bedding in hot water (if using the washing machine opt for hottest temperature). You can use ordinary laundry detergent to wash the clothes. After removing the gloves, wash your hands with soap and water. You need to clean and disinfect the high-touch areas. Use household cleaners to clean the things first. Then, use disinfectant to wipe the objects. Focus on areas like counters, light switches, doorknobs, remote controls, phones, sink handles. If a child is sick, isolate the toys from other toys.
Coronavirus Safety Tips And Precautions To Protect Others In The Community
As a responsible person, you need to follow the guidelines to ensure you protect others in the community. You need to follow the instructions:
- If you or your family member is sick, then try to stay at home unless emergency medical care is required.
- Follow the instructions provided by the doctor or the local healthcare department. Only after the all-clear from the health department or doctor, you need to end the quarantine.
- When you go out, always opt for a face mask. You can choose from the different types of masks to enhance your safety.
- Maintain social distancing when you go out. So, try to stay at least six feet away from other people in public.
- If you are exposed to an infected person, then notify the health department to get the necessary guidelines.
Coronavirus Safety Tips And Precautions When You Have Travelled
Some people who have traveled to other states need to stay in quarantine as per the recommendation of the health department. The symptoms of COVID-19 may seem similar to common flu or cold. It resembles seasonal respiratory illness. Since all people may not have symptoms of COVID-19, you need to follow the quarantine rules (in most cases 14 days). When you stay in quarantine at home or in an institution, follow all the guidelines suggested by the health department. After the suggested period, you need to undergo the RT-PCR test. If you see your symptoms become severe during the quarantine period, go to the hospital after consulting the healthcare professional.
Coronavirus Safety And Tips When You Care For A Home Quarantined Person
If your loved ones need to stay at home, then you need to take several steps while caring for them. Home quarantine is suggested when a person travels from a hotspot region or suspect coming in contact with a sick person. In such cases, the health department suggests monitoring the person for signs of COVID-19. Due to the lack of medical facilities, a person with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 can stay at home in quarantine when they have mild symptoms. So, you need to follow the guidelines while caring for the person:
- Maintain a distance of at least one meter when you enter the person’s room.
- You need to wear a mask, a surgical mask if possible. When you a cloth mask, make sure you opt for one with a double-layered cloth.
- While using a mask, you need to make sure it covers your mouth and nose. It must mold itself to the shape of your face with a tight fit.
- Never touch the mask with your hand.
- Avoid touching the personal item of the person you care for with your hands. Use gloves before touching the personal items or cleaning the room of the person in quarantine.
- Use disposable masks and gloves that you can throw after using them. Throw them in a dustbin with a lid and a plastic bag lining to ensure contaminated masks or gloves do not touch the surfaces.
- Wash your hands before and after using the mask, caring for the person, or cleaning the room.
- Clean and disinfect the high-touch surfaces used by the person.
Emergency Hospital Visit
When the person you care shows signs of distress or gets sicker with passing day, call your doctor. You need to inform the doctor about the signs and inform about the coronavirus test results. Based on the results, your doctor can inform the next steps. Before you go to the doctor, you need to follow the steps:
- Wear a mask to cover your face and mouth.
- Always keep the tissues with you as it is needed when the person coughs or sneezes.
- Go to the emergency room when the person feels confuses, has trouble breathing, or feels drowsy.
- Never slack in the precautions you need to take as the risk of exposure to virus increases when you visit the hospital.
Coronavirus Safety Tips And Precautions To Avoid Mental Issues
When you are caring for someone with coronavirus infection or suffering from the symptoms, then you need to take ample precautions. You need to continue the coronavirus safety tips and precaution until your doctor or local health department informs you to stop it. But, sitting at the same place without going out can lead to quarantine fatigue. It is because you become lonely and suffer from boredom. So, when you are separated from your friends and family for a long time, you can suffer from mental issues like stress and anxiety. So, you need to take steps to overcome mental issues as you need to ensure your mental health while safeguarding your physical health. Here some pointers you can follow:
Connect With Others
You can connect with others using the latest technology. Use the digital tools to call and talk with your friends as well as family members. Video calls, texts, messaging apps, and other options are available to feel closer to your loved ones.
One Of The Effective Safety Tips And Precautions To Avoid Mental Issues: Play Games
You can engage your mind and have fun by playing games. It is specifically a nice way to overcome boredom when you have kids at home. You have the option to access online games that will help people engage in fun and excitement. When you are playing Legos or puzzles, keep them separate from other toys. Always clean them after use.
Clean And Arrange
Since you have a lot of time at hand, you can arrange and clean different surfaces. Use disinfectant to clean the high-risk surfaces like countertops, doorknobs, and other objects. Follow the instructions suggested by the manufacturer when cleaning electric or electronic devices.
Conclusion
Most countries are reopening after the lockdown to avoid further damage to their economies. It does not mean that the threat posed by the novel coronavirus virus has ceased to exist. You have to learn to live with the illness. But, to avoid it from affecting, you need to follow the coronavirus safety tips and precautions. It will prevent the infection by not exposing you to the virus. Follow the guidelines suggested in the article to protect yourself as well as others.
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