Everyone across the globe is getting miffed and dispirited because they are forced to stay home. Only the essential services are working, rest everything has been shut down. Why this has been done? Is this really important? What wouldhappen if I go out for a couple of minutes and then come back home? These questions must have struck your mind at least once a day. But it’s really very important for all of us to follow the “LOCKDOWN” with full commitment and persistence.WHAT IS COVID-19: Also known as “Coronavirus” is a disease that is caused by “SARS-CoV-2” virus. It is an infectious disease that is transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person when the virus enters the body of a healthy person through eyes, nose or mouth, when the infected person coughs or sneezes. This disease causes Respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms like cough, fever and in more severe cases, difficulty breathing. THE EGREGIOUS PART: Because this is a “Novel” or new virus so currently no vaccine or specific treatment is available for the disease. But, we can protect ourselves and prevent its spread if we follow the important DO and DON’T.
DO:
➢ STAY HOME: Because you don’t know who is infected and who isn’t. Sometimes, an infected person can take as long as 10-14 days toshow symptoms of the disease but he/she is till excreting the virus.So, to ensure your and your family’s safety STAY HOME.
➢ WASH YOUR HANDS REGULARLY: Washing hands regularly and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub (hand sanitizers) will maintain your hand hygiene and lower the risk of catching the disease.
➢ Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or flexed elbow when you cough or sneeze and discard the tissue immediately in a dustbin with a lid.
➢ SOCIAL DISTANCING: Avoid close contact with any person especially who is seemingly unwell. By avoiding close contact we mean keep a distance of at least 1 meter or 3 feet. WHY AT LEAST 1 METER OR 3 FEET? COVID-19 is transmitted via “droplets” and “fomities” during close unprotected contact between an infector and infectee. Air-borne spread has not been reported as of now so keeping the distance of at least 1 meter or 3 feet and avoiding touching anything in public places when not necessary will keep you safe.
➢ USING MASKS: In light of the above described facts we also understand the importance of wearing masks that cover our nose and mouth. Whenever you have to move out of your home, wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth and dispose off the disposable mask properly after one use. Don’t reuse the disposable mask as it gets contaminated after single use and is not fit for reusing. Also wash your face and hands after you remove the mask.
➢ EAT HEALTHY: To help your body combat the evil virus, you need to feed your body with best of the food and nutrition. Eat more and more fruits that are rich in Vitamin C. You can also take Vitamin C supplements like “Limcee” once a day for 15-30 days.
DON’T:
➢ Don’t touch your face if your hands are not clean.
➢ Don’t believe or don’t spread rumours.
➢ Don’t be a cause of havoc and catastrophe in your area.
➢ Don’t smoke or drink alcohol.
➢ Don’t believe the information from any unreliable source.
STAY HOME.STAY SAFE
Dr. Shivalika
Member of Nations Development Association NDA