Covid Prevention
COVID 19 Prevention
Overview
Coronaviruses are a set of viruses that cause gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognized Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as a new form of coronavirus in early 2020, following a December 2019 outbreak in China. This outbreak quickly spread around the world. In February 2020, WHO named this novel coronavirus as the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID 19).
People suffering from COVID 19 typically present with a wide range of clinical presentations. Some of the people suffering from COVID 19 are completely asymptomatic i.e., show no symptoms at all. Those who develop symptoms may experience mild to moderate, self-limiting illness with symptoms similar to the common cold.
How does the coronavirus spread?
Health experts are focusing to stop the spread of the new coronavirus, which has been reported all around the world. Understanding how coronavirus is transmitted helps you to take necessary precautionary measures to avoid getting infected with COVID 19. Here are some common modes of transmission of the coronavirus:
- Transmission through aerosols or droplets: When an infected individual coughs, sneezes or speaks, tiny particles called aerosols containing the virus are dispersed in the air. Anybody within 6 feet can be affected if they inhale these aerosols into their lungs. Also, these aerosols or droplets stay in the air for a longer period and travel farther than 1 meter. This is the most common mode of transmission of the virus.
- Transmission through surfaces or objects: The virus can survive on plastic or steel surfaces such as doorknobs or phone screens for 2 to 3 days. People may get infected by touching surfaces that contain the virus when they touch their nose, mouth, or eyes without washing their hands.
- Fecal-oral Transmission: Research shows that the virus can also be found in an infected person’s stool. If an infected person uses the toilet and does not wash his hands properly, he can infect other items and also people that he comes in contact with.
How COVID 19 can be prevented?
Currently, the only way to protect yourself and others from the disease is to follow some of the precautionary measures, such as:
- Wear a mask: Everybody should wear a mask in public. Here’s how to put on a mask properly:
- Sanitize your hands before putting on a mask. Also, wash your hands whenever you touch it and after you take it off.
- While wearing a mask, make sure that it fully covers your mouth, nose, and chin.
- Make sure that the mask fits properly on your face.
- Throw the mask in a trash can after you take it off.
There is a variety of masks available such as cloth masks, surgical masks, and respirators. However, the use of a mask alone is inadequate to provide appropriate protection against COVID-19. In healthcare settings, N95 respirators are preferred for protection against COVID 19.
- Maintain Social distancing: Social distancing, also known as physical distancing, refers to maintaining a safe distance between yourself and others in public places. Stay at least 6 feet away from others in both outdoor and indoor settings. Also, avoid physical interaction with sick people inside your home. To combat COVID 19, social distancing should be practiced along with other preventive measures.
- Sanitize your hands often: Sanitize your hands properly with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wash them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Clean your hands immediately after you cough or sneeze. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose: When you sneeze or cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or inside of your elbow. Dispose of the used tissues in a trash can.
- Clean surfaces: Disinfect and clean objects and surfaces that are frequently touched such as doorknobs, mobile phones, etc.
- Get vaccinated: Authorized Covid-19 vaccines help you combat COVID 19. Vaccination is especially important for people who are at a greater risk for developing the disease, such as healthcare workers, older people, and people with other serious diseases. You can resume your daily activities once you are fully vaccinated.
- Avoid crowded places: Covid-19 is more likely to spread in crowded places such as restaurants, hotels, clubs, or movie theatres. Try to avoid public gatherings and large events.
- Seek medical care regularly: Be alert for symptoms of COVID 19. Watch for cough, fever, fatigue, or any other sign of COVID 19. Regular health checks should be done to detect any early signs of the disease.
References
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
https://www.webmd.com/lung/coronavirus-transmission-overview#
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html
