In any given medical situation, prevention is better than cure. This is especially true in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to know how coronavirus spreads, its risk factors, and how you can prevent coronavirus disease from harming you and your family. Here’s how to prevent COVID-19.
COVID-19 and its effects on the body
Before we discuss how to prevent COVID-19, it’s important to understand its impact.
COVID-19, the virus formerly known as the novel coronavirus, attacks the respiratory system.
The impact varies from person to person, but senior adults are more vulnerable due to weakened immune systems and health. Some patients are free of symptoms (asymptomatic), while others have to deal with more serious complications due to pre-existing medical conditions and other immune system risks that exacerbate the symptoms of COVID-19.
When it comes to curbing the spread of the infection, communities, families, and individuals must be vigilant and take the necessary preventive measures. Reducing transmission in each household saves not just one life, but many.
How to Prevent COVID 19: Remember These Tips
The World Health Organization suggests numerous ways to help protect people from being infected by the coronavirus. Often, these preventive measures are easy, simple, and very effective.
How to Prevent Covid 19 Tip#!: Wear a face mask
Wear a face mask properly, snugly covering your nose and mouth. This will help catch respiratory droplets. A face mask must be worn properly so that it will provide apt protection.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you can also use properly stitched cloth face covers in the absence of face masks.
These face cloth masks are reusable and can be sterilized through the use of a strong detergent in a washing machine. Surgical masks are ideal, because they are made with several layers of filters, giving added protection, and you can easily discard them after use.
Practice good respiratory hygiene
Cough and sneeze into the crook of your elbow. Ideally, a person should cough or sneeze into a tissue and immediately dispose of it after. However, if you don’t have a mask or tissue, it is advised that you sneeze into the crook of your arm. It is safer and helps to prevent coronavirus disease from spreading.
Practice safe social distancing
When it comes to how to prevent COVID-19, keeping away from people is still one of the best measures.
Social distancing involves staying at least one meter away (as recommended by the WHO) from other people. This is a preventive measure that protects you and others from being infected by respiratory droplets that contain the virus. In countries like Singapore, simple tape was used to mark the distance people had to maintain from each other in public.
Steer clear of crowds
According to an observation from John Hopkins University and ground reports from the COVID-19 dashboard CoronaTracker, the virus had originated in Wuhan, but had quickly spread to other countries like the USA and Italy.
If a certain area has had reported cases of coronavirus, it would be prudent to avoid travelling to these potential hubs. It is recommended that you stay home, unless necessary to go out. If one must go out, practice social distancing and avoid crowds.
Wash your hands frequently
As the coronavirus is highly contagious, it is important to wash your hands frequently. It is recommended that you thoroughly scrub and clean your hands for 20 seconds. The rubbing motion and the use of soap breaks the structural form of COVID-19.
Always wash your hands:
- After handling money
- Heading outside
- During and after food preparation
- Before and after putting on gloves
- After sneezing or coughing
- Before and after using the bathroom
- After any form of hand contamination
- Before and after meals
- After any cleaning activity
- After handling dirty items like trash, coins, and paper bills
Remember: The virus enters the body via the mouth, nose, and eyes. If a person’s hand has been contaminated by the virus, it often transfers when the person touches their face.
Boost your immune system with the right diet and exercise
Ultimately, if your immune system is strong enough, it can deal with viral infections. Reduce the risk and build your defenses by eating foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
As the coronavirus primarily attacks the respiratory system, having strong lungs can also help, so cardio exercise is recommended.
Get Vaccinated
Getting vaccinated is truly one of the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially with new variants emerging. Vaccines, regardless of type, all work to effectively train the body to fight off the infection. It can also help prevent severe COVID-19 and death resulting from this infection.
Key Takeaways
Knowing how to prevent COVID-19 in your home are highly recommended in order to protect yourself and your loved ones. These simple, easy-to-do, practical tips effectively prevent coronavirus disease from spreading.
If you experience any worsening symptoms such as fever, sore throat, dry cough, and difficulty breathing, and suspect that you may have COVID-19, seek medical help.
