COVID-19: What you can do right now to stay safe

In the face of increasingly widespread fears of a COVID-19 pandemic, what concrete steps can a person take right now to prevent the infection?

How to stay safe where you live

“Based on the information received so far, and on our experience with other coronaviruses, COVID-19 appears to spread mostly through respiratory droplets (when a sick person coughs, for example) and close contact,” a WHO spokesperson told Medical News Today.

In light of that information, the spokesperson said, the WHO recommend preventive actions to minimize exposure to droplets.

During day-to-day activities, people can take the following measures to prevent infection, in accordance with WHO guidelines:

1. Clean the hands regularly with an alcohol-based sanitizer, or wash them with soap and water. The CDC also make this recommendation, advising that sanitizer should contain “at least 60% alcohol” and that people should wash their hands for at least 20 seconds.
2. Clean surfaces — such as kitchen seats and work desks — regularly with disinfectant.
3. Avoid crowded areas when going out, for people over 60 years old and people with any underlying health problems.
4. Try to avoid close contact with people who display flu-like symptoms, including coughing and sneezing.
5. Get accurate information about COVID-19. Some good sources include the WHO websites.

Also, the CDC recommend getting the flu shot to prevent other seasonal respiratory infections.

The CDC recommend that all people wear cloth face masks in public places where it is difficult to maintain a 6-foot distance from others. This will help slow the spread of the virus from asymptomatic people or people who do not know they have contracted the virus. Cloth face masks should be worn while continuing to practice physical distancing. Note: It is critical that surgical masks and N95 respirators are reserved for healthcare workers.

How to stay safe at work and school

Work and school environments may seem particularly daunting in the context of an outbreak, but some simple measures can help prevent infection in the office or classroom.

They are largely the same as those outlined above. According to WHO recommendations, the following are the most important preventive steps:

1. Regularly clean work surfaces and objects in continual use, such as phones and computer keyboards.
2. Regularly wash the hands with soap and water or use sanitizer.

In recent tele briefings, CDC officials advised anyone who is concerned about the potential impact of COVID-19 to get in touch with employers and schools to find out exactly what response measures they have in place.

How to stay safe while traveling

For people who are planning to travel, all of the same basic hygiene recommendations apply. The WHO advise:

• cleaning hands on a regular basis
• keeping at least 1 meter’s distance from people who are coughing or sneezing
• following COVID-19-specific travel advisories from local authorities

The CDC provide extensive, frequently updated information.

What if you have flu-like symptoms?

What happens if you start experiencing flu-like symptoms despite your best attempts to stay healthy?

The WHO spokesperson who responded to MNT queries offered the following advice:

1. Cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue, then dispose of the tissue immediately and clean your hands.
2. If you feel unwell, stay home and call your doctor or a local health professional.
3. If you develop shortness of breath, call your doctor and seek care immediately.
4. If you are sick: Stay home, eat and sleep separately from others in the house, and use different utensils and cutlery.

The WHO spokesperson also gave us some travel-related advice for people who have flu-like symptoms and are either contemplating travel or have just returned from a trip.

They explained that:

• Anyone with a fever or cough should avoid traveling.
• Anyone who develops symptoms on a flight should inform the crew immediately and, once home, contact a health professional and tell them about the locations visited.

Be prepared, but do not panic buy

What if you develop COVID-19, or a healthcare professional suspects that you have it, and you need to stay home for a prolonged period? How should you prepare? Some public health experts have offered advice.

If you or a friend or family member takes any prescription medication, make sure you have a good supply, e.g., at least 4 weeks’ worth.

As for food and other necessities, “Don’t panic buy,”  “but do buy a few extra provisions when you normally go shopping. Don’t forget about pets.”

[Courtesy: Medical News Today]