CORONAVIRUS (COVID 19) PANDEMIC
HOW TO STAY SAFE
Almost every person is well aware of coronavirus(SARS CoV 2) and its impact on human being worldwide since it has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization.
While all the countries are grappling with imminent dangers that this virus poses to humanity, there are few key measures that individuals can take to fight this pandemic. Knowledge about this virus is still evolving.
Here in this article will discuss comprehensively the measure an individual should take to remain safe from this virus, so that
risk of contracting infection can be minimized.
HOW CORONA VIRUS ENTERS OUR BODY
To understand the preventive measure we must understand how it infects humans being.
COVID-19 spreads primarily when people are in close contact and inhale small droplets produced by an infected person (symptomatic or not) coughing, sneezing, talking, or singing. It can affect the upper respiratory tract (sinuses, nose, and throat) and the lower respiratory tract (windpipe and lungs).
HOW TO PROTECT OURSELF FROM COVID-19 INFECTION
With increasing knowledge about coronavirus and recent advances in treatment against it, we are able to control the mortality rate, but still, the number of infections is increasing worldwide.
To date, the number of new cases coming up in India is more than 50000 per day. The medical and economical consequences of that are a separate issue.
Therefore prevention remains the choice to cope with this situation, till the vaccine is prepared or this pandemic naturally goes away.
I would divide these precautions into two main categories:-
1) EXTERNAL PRECAUTIONS ........Measures that are taken to avoid contracting coronavirus.
2) INTERNAL PRECAUTIONS........Measures that are taken to cope with infection well if contracted coronavirus(God forbid).
EXTERNAL PRECAUTIONS
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and practice social distancing by keeping at least 6 feet away from others if you must go out in public.
Wear a cloth face covering to cover your mouth and nose when around others and when you must go out in public. The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
Don’t place one on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and throw the tissue away after use.
If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve, not your hands.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, computers, phones, keyboards, sinks, toilets, faucets, and countertops, etc.
Clean nostrils 3 to 4 times a day with lukewarm water. You can do kapalbhati before cleaning the nostril. It helps to clean the attached virus because it is the most common entry point of the virus.
Properly clean vegetables and fruits before utilization.
The solid material can be kept as such for 24 hours before consuming it.
VARIOUS TYPES OF MASK
WHEN TO WASH HANDS
- Before eating or preparing food
- Before touching your face
- After using the restroom
- After leaving a public place
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After handling your mask
- After changing a diaper
- After caring for someone sick
- After touching animals or pets
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
HOW TO WASH HANDS
It is very important to understand the proper technique of hand washing, otherwise, it will not be helpful, and will create a false sense of protection.
 |
| PROPER HANDWASHING TECHNIQUE |
INTERNAL PRECAUTIONS
Internal precautions are related to our immunity and the overall baseline physiological status of our body. It is equally important because despite a good measure of protection people are getting infected. Studies have shown that patients with good baseline physiological status had minor symptoms or they recovered earlier with fewer risks chances of developing complications. I have seen many super senior citizen patients beating coronaviruses, only because they had good baseline physiological status.
- Stay up to date with recommended immunizations.
- Don't smoke, and avoid other addiction.
- Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Restrict saturated fats and sugars to 10% of total calories.
- Minimize the consumption of red and processed meats.
- Exercise regularly. Try to get 150 minutes of moderate activity a week.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Control your Blood Pressure, Diabetes, or any underlying disease.
- If you drink alcohol, do so only in moderation.
- Get adequate sleep. (Around 7-8 hours)
- Get regular medical screening tests for people in your age group and risk category.
- Try to minimize stress.
- Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly.
- Foods to boost your immune system.
Vitamin D - Dairy products, Sunlight exposure
Vitamin B6- Chicken, cereals, bananas, pork loin, potatoes with skin
Vitamin C- Tomatoes, citrus fruit, sweet peppers, broccoli, kiwi fruit
Vitamin E- Sunflower seeds and oil, almonds, safflower oil, peanut butter
Magnesium- Whole wheat, legumes, nuts, seeds
Zinc- Oysters, beef shank, Alaskan king crab, turkey (dark meat)
Micronutrients
Apart from maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking supplements, the Indian health ministry is also suggesting few organic and natural ways to practice as preventive measures to fight COVID-19.
The Ministry of AYUSH has recommended the following self-care guidelines as preventive measures and to boost immunity with special reference to respiratory health.
- Drink warm water throughout the day.
- Practice Meditation, Yogasana, and Pranayama.
- Increase the intake of Turmeric, Cumin, Coriander, and garlic.
- Drink herbal tea or decoction of Holy basil, Cinnamon, Black pepper, Dry Ginger, and Raisin, omega 3-6 fatty acids.
- Avoid sugar and replace it with jaggery if needed.
- Apply Ghee (clarified butter), Sesame oil, or Coconut oil in both the nostrils to keep the nostrils clean.
- Inhale steam with Mint leaves and Caraway seeds.
By properly following the above measures we can minimize the risk of infection, and these should be followed continuously till this pandemic is over.
Elderly, patients with co-morbidities and obese patients should take special precautions.
Don't panic and keep positive thinking.
Knowledge about the COVID 19 is still evolving day by day, therefore we need to stay updated.
The author of the article Dr. Tharpal Maheshwari is a consultant Physician and working with COVID 19 team in Apollo hospital Ahmedabad.
View my more blog:- https://medicalunfold.blogspot.com/2020/04/aim-of-my-blog-t-o-explain-diseases.html
Information is taken from:-
