With COVID-19 Coronavirus on the Rise, Here’s How You Can Keep Yourself (And Your Family) Safe!

With the deadly COVID-19 coronavirus spreading quickly across the globe, news channels and forwards about its entry into India and the effects, flooding your devices, can be overwhelming and send you into a panic mode. It is natural to worry about the safety of your family, especially if you have children at home. However, all it takes to keep your anxiety at bay is to take a deep breath and a few preventive measures. Here’s what you can do to ensure the safety of your family against this virus.

How the Coronavirus Disease Spreads

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The coronavirus disease is spread through saliva or mucus droplets. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, it releases droplets. These are transferred to a healthy person in the close vicinity, either through direct inhalation or picking them up via touching. The virus can also be spread through droplets on surfaces like handles, seats, desks, railings, etc., where a healthy person may pick them up via the hands and then touch his or a loved one’s face, which causes them to fall sick.

Symptoms of the Coronavirus Disease

The symptoms of the coronavirus disease mimic a common cold or flu, making detection quite difficult. The incubation period of this virus is 14 days, so make sure you consult a doctor if you notice these symptoms persisting for more than 7-10 days.

1. Cough
2. Runny nose
3. Fever
4. Breathing problems
5. Sore throat
6. Headache
7. Inflammation in the lungs

What to Do if You Show Symptoms of the Coronavirus Disease

If you are sick and suspect that you may have been affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus, do not panic. There are some steps you can take to safeguard your health, as well as the health of those around you. Consult a medical professional if you:

1. Have persistent symptoms of the coronavirus disease for more than 7 days.
2. Live or have travelled to an area with a known coronavirus disease outbreak.
3. Have had contact with an infected person.
4. Have had close contact with anyone who has travelled to or lives in an area where there is a coronavirus disease outbreak.

While you get help, here are steps to take to ensure your family and other close ones are safe.

1. Call your doctor before your consultation, so he can be well prepared.
2. Stay isolated at home and avoid touching any public surfaces, as much as possible.
3. Wear a mask when consulting a doctor, especially if you will be stepping into a crowded clinic or hospital.
4. Avoid sharing an enclosed space such as a room, vehicle, etc., with others.
5. Stay isolated from children and the elderly, as they are at the highest risk of being infected.

How to Protect Yourself Against the Coronavirus Disease

Hygiene is the key when it comes to protecting yourself and your family from being infected by the coronavirus disease. Here are some tips to help keep coronavirus disease at bay!

1. Avoid crowds and large gatherings, as it is quite possible to cross paths with one or multiple infected people, without even realising it.
2. If you must attend a gathering, wear a mask, especially if someone is unwell and has flu-like symptoms.
3. Keep a 2-metre distance from someone has a cough or is persistently sneezing.
4. If someone around you is coughing or sneezing, give him a mask.
5. Regularly wash and sanitise your hands, especially after touching any public surface.
6. Discard disposable tissues in a waste bin, immediately after using them.
7. Discard used masks after wearing them for no more than 1-2 days, especially if you stay in an area with a known outbreak.
8. Avoid taking babies or the elderly into public places with large crowds, as the risk of infection may run high.
9. Avoid touching your face, eyes, and ears as much as possible.
10. Do not share food, clothes, or utensils with anyone else, including family members.

Tips to Wash Your Hands Efficiently

Washing your hands regularly plays a huge role in staying germ-free. And yes! There’s a ‘right’ way to wash hands. Follow these tips to wash your hands efficiently!

1. Always use soap and water to wash your hands. Preferably, use a doctor-approved soap.
2. Pay attention to the back of your hands and between your fingers.
3. Wash up to your elbow.
4. Don’t forget to clean under the nails, the best hiding place for germs.
5. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.

With the right tips and tricks at hand, there’s no reason to panic about the coronavirus disease. Remember to stay hygienic, keep your immunity up, and take the necessary precautions to ensure you and your family are protected from this fast-spreading virus!

Also Read: Coronavirus Vs the Common Flu – This Is What Doctors Want You to Know