COVID-19, the disease that has managed to spread around the world in a very short time, is an infectious disease caused by the new coronavirus that emerged in China in December 2019. It is a respiratory illness with symptoms like cough, fever and shortness of breath and might even cause death. Its quick spread to all continents has made it a pandemic. The disease can be passed from person to person through droplets from coughs and sneezes. There is no vaccine for the virus so it is very important that everyone follows the following prevention methods:
- Cleaning Your Hands
Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is a very effective way of ensuring that the virus is prevented from spreading from others to you or vice versa. Hand sanitizers are also effective in the absence of soap and water. Doing this will kill the viruses on your hands. Also make sure to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth especially without clean hands as the virus can enter your body through those organs.
- Social Distancing
You need to make sure you distance yourself from people especially if the virus is spreading in your community. Put a meter distance between you and people who are coughing or sneezing. Otherwise small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth containing the virus enter through your mouth when you breathe. If possible, it is best to self-isolate (stay home and avoid crowded places) and avoid contact (especially shaking hands) with others.
- Proper Hygiene
Proper hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection and spread of infection to others. Other than washing your hands, make sure to regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces such as toys, toilets, phones, door handles, television remotes, etc. You should practice respiratory hygiene by covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze then disposing of that tissue immediately. This is effective because it stops droplets that spread the virus from being suspended in the air.
- Stay Informed
In order to prevent the spread of the virus you will need to stay informed on the new developments about the disease. Make sure to get information from reliable sources such as the WHO and avoid sites or people who spread false information in order to create mass hysteria and social disorder. Then pass on helpful information to those without access.
Conclusion
Symptoms of the disease show up within 14 days of exposure to the virus. This means you might be a carrier and you might not even know it. So make sure to follow these prevention methods in order t stop the spread of the virus. In addition it highly affects older people and people with diabetes, asthma and respiratory illnesses. However, it might not have severe effects on younger people. But that doesn’t mean it is okay to be reckless. So keep others safe by keeping yourself safe.
