Corona virus: How to prepare yourself?

Coronavirus (officially known as – Covid-19), which originated in China, killed 27,352 people across the globe and infected 596,723. Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that are common among animals. In rare cases, they can be transmitted from animals to humans. The spikes protruding from the virus’s membrane look like the sun’s corona. It is from this that the virus gets the name ‘coronavirus’. It causes illnesses of the respiratory tract, ranging from the common cold to severe conditions like SARS. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. With coronavirus threatening to run riot in India, here’s how you can keep yourself safe. As of now, a vaccine has not been formulated for the novel coronavirus. In light of this fact, prevention appears to be the best cure available so far. Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Take care of your health and protect others

Here are the measures you need to take to keep the coronavirus away:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Maintain at least three feet distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. When someone coughs or sneezes, they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

• Stay home when you are sick, even with mild symptoms such as headache and a slight runny nose, until you recover. Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then dispose of the tissue safely or with your bent elbow. Droplets spread the virus. By following good respiratory hygiene, you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

• Wearing a mask is not necessary unless you are taking care of an infected person. The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) does recommend that only infected people wear masks to prevent the spread of the virus.

• Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

• If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately. This may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

Mental stress can be quite common in situations like these. Here are some tips to cope with stress during the 2019-nCoV outbreak.

• It is normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or angry during a crisis. Talking to people you trust can help. Contact your friends and family.

• If you must stay at home, maintain a healthy lifestyle- including proper diet, sleep, exercise, and social contacts.

• Don’t use smoking, alcohol or other drugs to deal with your emotions. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a health worker or counselor.

• Get the facts. Gather information from a credible source you can trust.

• Draw on skills you have used in the past or listen to some good music of your favorite genre.

• Children may respond to stress in different ways such as being more clingy, anxious, withdrawing, angry or agitated. Respond to your child’s reactions in a supportive way, listen to their concerns and give them extra love and attention. Try and keep children close to their parents and family.

• Keep to regular routines and schedules as much as possible.

As the world is going through testing times and as we come together to fight this pandemic, RCELL Diagnostics and Research Centre are open and working to serve you with our services.

Your health is our priority. Stay home, Stay safe everyone! Let’s #breakthechain together.