As we enter our second summer with the coronavirus, we continue to learn more about how to protect ourselves and our community from a disease that has claimed the lives of over 600,000 people in the United States and 10,000 people in Nepal here. Our greatest defense against COVID-19 is still prevention, and the best thing you can do for your health right now is obtaining a COVID-19 vaccination.
For the most up-to-date news and information about the coronavirus pandemic, visit the WHO and CDC websites.
While preventative measures have been highly politicized around the world, we do know that a few other essential habits, such as wearing a face mask, maintaining basic hygiene, and keeping a safe distance from others, are helpful in preventing the transmission of the coronavirus.
Here, we include both old and new knowledge on how to keep yourself and others healthy.
The coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, can be contracted by anybody, but some groups of individuals are at a higher risk of having significant problems and needing hospitalization as a result of the virus. Many persons infected with the coronavirus will have cold or flu-like symptoms, while others will be entirely asymptomatic.
How likely are you to get the coronavirus?
According to Dr. Tom Moorcroft, an osteopathic doctor who specializes in infectious illness, everyone, regardless of health state, has a responsibility to minimize the transmission of the disease to others, especially those who may develop lethal consequences.
Fortunately, many of the measures you would take to protect yourself may also be used to safeguard others.
The coronavirus is transferred by respiratory droplets, which are ejected from the body when you cough or sneeze, but can also be ejected when you talk or breathe. That vapor can go into the air, where it can infect someone else who breathes it in. Sneezing or coughing into your hand and then touching a surface that someone else touches, such as a door handle or elevator button, can also spread the coronavirus.
How does the coronavirus spread?
Aerosols are considerably smaller than drops and contain tiny virus particles that may last for hours in the air and travel many meters. Estimates range from 4 meters (about 10 feet) to 10 meters (approximately 32 feet).
Influenza viruses and common cold viruses spread similarly to the coronavirus, so if you’re ever unclear how to protect yourself, think about how you would react if everyone around you was sick. Following that, here are the best strategies to guard against the new coronavirus.
Despite the public outcry in reaction to the CDC’s acknowledgment of airborne transmission, Dr. Nate Favini, physician and medical lead at forwarding, argues that nothing has changed in terms of precautions and preventive measures.
How to protect yourself from the coronavirus
For a long time, those of us who have been watching this closely have thought that the coronavirus is airborne, but public health officials have been slow to recognize and announce this.
That doesn’t necessarily imply the standards will change, because a) most transmission still occurs through bigger droplets, and b) the present guidelines do protect against airborne viruses.
In any case, the following tactics are steps everyone should take to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Get vaccinated
All people in the US, 16 and older, are eligible to get one of three vaccines. On May 10, the FDA authorized the Pfizer vaccine for ages 12 and up. The CDC will likely make the final decision by week’s end.
Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and others around you, as well as the only way to achieve herd immunity.
Wear a face mask
When out in public, like as at the grocery store, the CDC continues to urge that everyone wear a facial covering (not a mask used for a health care professional). This safeguards you and others in the event that you inadvertently carry the virus and have the ability to spread it.
“A lot of the transmission occurs through superspreader episodes,” adds Dr. Favini, “when people are in close contact and without wearing masks.”
Wash your hands
Yes, according to Dr. Moorcroft, this is still the safest strategy to avoid contracting the coronavirus. He emphasizes that “the things you should take to protect yourself from the coronavirus are things you should do every day.” “Practicing proper personal hygiene is the most important thing you can do to avoid any respiratory infection.”
According to the CDC, the best approach to prevent the transmission of infectious illnesses is to wash your hands properly — using soap and water and washing for at least 20 seconds — or to use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
Stay away from enclosed spaces that aren’t well-ventilated.
We must pay attention to the air quality and ventilation quality in our homes and other interior places now that we know COVID-19 may spread through aerosols, according to Dr. Favini. Air purifiers, high-quality AC filters and allowing outdoor air inside (i.e., opening the windows) can improve the air exchange rate in your home.
According to the CDC, your chance of infection varies depending on how much virus you were exposed to, and this risk is heightened inside since the virus can remain in the air long after an infected person has left the room. If you must be inside, such as when grocery shopping or eating at a restaurant, reduce your risk of infection from poor ventilation by shopping quickly or selecting a restaurant that follows COVID-19 requirements.
Avoid close contact with those who are sick or have been exposed
It may seem obvious, but stay away from persons who are unwell (whether from the new coronavirus or anything else) or have been exposed to the coronavirus. According to the CDC, person-to-person contact is the major mode of transmission for the coronavirus, so keep a safe distance from anybody who is exhibiting symptoms.
COVID-19 testing, vaccine research, masks, ventilators, and more are all being used to combat the coronavirus.
Avoid unnecessary trips
It’s still smart to avoid indoor public places when you can, especially if you’re someone who has a high risk of developing serious complications.
For example, instead of traveling to the bank, try completing your banking online. Make sure your grocery list is well-planned so you don’t have to make a second or third trip. If you used to dine out three times a week, cut back to one night and consider ordering a takeaway.
We can’t all remain at home and shun leisure activities forever, so take some basic precautions when you do leave the house.
Follow local public health guidelines
Almost every state and municipal authority has issued instructions on how to combat the coronavirus’s spread. Social distancing is one of them, as is limiting the kind of companies that may operate and the types of activities that are permitted, such as outdoor exercise or private meetings.
Restaurants, for example, may provide outside dining or have a restricted interior capacity.
If your state or local government has established guidelines, you should adhere to them as closely as possible.
Boost your immune system
Dr. Moorcroft believes that a robust immune system is the best (and only) barrier against disease, in addition to basic sickness avoidance. He says that when your immune system is in top form, your body is better equipped to fight off diseases, and that everyone should make an effort to have theirs in top shape.
“Now is the moment to focus on all of the good behaviors you’ve been putting off,” says Dr. Moorcroft. “Begin everyday activities and food choices that are beneficial to your health and develop them into habits that will result in long-term health gains. During this time, get adequate sleep and some fresh air and sunlight daily.”
Maintain hydration, limit excessively processed meals, and provide adequate vitamin D, vitamin C, antioxidants, and other vital nutrients.
Stay calm
You should look after your emotional health as well as your physical health. High amounts of stress can weaken your immune system, which is the last thing you want if you’re trying to prevent the coronavirus. If you’re worried about COVID-19, try these techniques from a psychologist to keep your anxieties in check.
Other suggestions
Dr. Moorcroft further reiterates the CDC’s coronavirus (and other respiratory illness) prevention advice:
Sneeze and cough into tissues or the crook of your elbow. If you get mucus or spit on your skin, clean it off right away. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick, especially people exhibiting respiratory symptoms and fever.
Stay home when you’re sick.
Clean surfaces, such as countertops and doorknobs, with a disinfectant.
How can I protect myself while traveling?
Even if you’re traveling to (or through) areas with lower infection rates, avoiding unnecessary travel is a good idea. Check with your local or state officials for travel advice, and remain current on federal travel limitations, CDC recommendations, and WHO recommendations.
Stay informed
Dr. Moorcroft advises everyone to keep their information up to date. He suggests keeping an eye on the CDC and WHO websites, where both organizations provide daily information on the number of cases in the United States and throughout the world, as well as regularly updated advice on how to protect yourself and others.
It’s easy to get caught up in the ever-increasing quantity of information accessible online, as well as the fear and misinformation that spreads on social media, so your best chance is to obtain your facts directly from the health organizations that are researching the issue firsthand.
“I believe that knowing the facts empowers individuals to say, ‘I have access to the knowledge, I know how to care for my body, and I can keep myself safe,” Dr. Moorcroft adds.
The bottom line
Dr. Favini says he fully acknowledges pandemic fatigue.
“People are just tired of it,” he adds, “and we just want to get back to our normal lives.” “It’s normal and understandable for us to desire that, but it’s essential for people to recognize that nothing about how the virus spreads has changed since the epidemic began.”