Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is characterized by mild symptoms including a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fever. Illness can be more severe for some people and can lead to pneumonia or breathing difficulties.
More rarely, the disease can be fatal. Older people, and people with other medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), may be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill.
People may experience:
1) runny nose
2) sore throat
3) cough
4) fever
5) difficulty breathing (severe cases)
1) runny nose
2) sore throat
3) cough
4) fever
5) difficulty breathing (severe cases)
What we do know is that the elderly and the young ( children especially ) are more susceptible to infection due to their immune systems which are not so strong.
Scientists from a new research in the United States and Singapore say we can actually kill this virus if we all work together and follow these basic cleanliness rules and to educate others also.
There’s a simple way to fight the new Coronavirus – STAY CLEAN
No, this does not need you to start wearing a hazmat suit, just your average cleaning products like soap and water. Viola! They work. And we have this as a confirmed fact from the World Health Organisation. - www.who.int
Right now we are facing a global health emergency and there is cause for concern, especially for those with compromised immune systems.
Does this mean we should not be cautious? Of course not. As per WHO, the new Coronavirus has a 3.4 per cent mortality rate, which is enough to cause anyone to step back.
But we are not helpless, especially if new research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) is anything to go by.
They studied the process of transmission and found that “ high-touch surfaces, basins, and toilet bowls were key culprits, not just coughing or sneezing. But, the virus was “killed by twice-a-day cleaning of surfaces and daily cleaning of floors with a commonly used disinfectant ”— suggesting that current decontamination measures are sufficient as long as people adhere to them.”
Significant environmental contamination by patients … through respiratory droplets and fecal shedding suggests the environment as a potential medium of transmission and supports the need for strict adherence to environmental and hand hygiene.
- Researchers at Singapore’s National Centre for Infectious Diseases and DSO National Laboratories
SO, WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO?
Bathe: At least once a day, as cleanliness with the help of soap and water is a key line of defense.
Change your clothes regularly: There is no clear evidence on how long the coronavirus can survive on soft surfaces such as fabrics. But, its ability to stay viable with an active host has still not been accurately documented, it is safer to change your clothes regularly, and wash them daily with a warm rinse cycle. The coronavirus does not like heat or higher temperatures.
Wash your hands: Often, especially before you eat, touch your face, etc., or after using high-contact surfaces such as washrooms, public door handles, doors, and handrails.
In general, a virus will survive the longest on nonporous surfaces made of metal and plastics — including door knobs, counters and railings. This holds true for money too. A virus will die sooner on fabrics or tissues.
In fact, a 2015 medical study found that we touch our face about 23 times in an hour, and 44 per cent of that involves touching the eyes, nose or mouth or the T-zone. The only answer is hand hygiene
- International research
“Eyes, nose, mouth — all those mucous membranes are the portal into the body for a virus like Covid-19 or SARS,” said Mary-Louise McLaws, professor of epidemiology, health care infection and infectious diseases control at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. -
—- This is from a report published by the New York Times on their website
As per recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - 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.
If soap and water is not available , wash your hands with hand sanitizer with at least 60 % alcohol .
Cover your face: Seriously, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Do not spray everybody and every surface around. This is inconsiderate and impolite, and now dangerous behaviour.
According to WHO (World Health Organization) -
These are the basics on how to use a surgical mask if you decide to USE one
1) NEVER wear the same ‘one use type’ masks more than once.
2) Refrain from touching the front of your mask when you have it on or about to remove it as it may be contaminated.
3) When you want to wear your mask , make sure it’s covering from the top of the nose , mouth to under your chin and secure the ropes behind your ears and tie to the back of your head
4) To remove masks :- remove masks rope by untying with your fingers securely and store away in a tightly covered bin .
5) If your mask is Damp or humid, replace immediately with another dry one
1) NEVER wear the same ‘one use type’ masks more than once.
2) Refrain from touching the front of your mask when you have it on or about to remove it as it may be contaminated.
3) When you want to wear your mask , make sure it’s covering from the top of the nose , mouth to under your chin and secure the ropes behind your ears and tie to the back of your head
4) To remove masks :- remove masks rope by untying with your fingers securely and store away in a tightly covered bin .
5) If your mask is Damp or humid, replace immediately with another dry one
REMEMBER TO NOT TOUCH THE FRONT OF Your MASK while WEARING or REMOVING it .
If you do touch it by mistake , wash your hands thoroughly from the top of your fingers to your elbows with soap and clean water ( like surgeons do ) or Check WHO site for videos on this .
Keep your environment clean: Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Do not share drinks: The virus does spread from one person to another, most likely through droplets of saliva or mucus, which will be transferred when sharing a glass, cutlery or straws with someone. If you touch such high-danger surfaces by mistake, either clean your hands with a sanitizer or wash it with soap and water.
Washroom hygiene: If you’ve used a washroom, it becomes imperative to wash your hands. Fecal shedding is an active transmitter.
Selfies: If you love taking selfies, don’t stop. Just be sure to clean your hands if you touch any surface while posing.
Protect your pet: As the inter-species transmission of this virus has not been fully researched, keep your pets away from people with probable exposure to coronavirus – no snuggling, hugging, or kissing. They cannot defend themselves, you have to do that for them
The Nine (9) surfaces to be careful of :-
1. Money – banknotes (relatively low in risk)
2. Door handles
3. Office kitchens - kettles
4. Vending machines
5. ATMs
6. Handrails of stairs, escalators, gym equipment
7. Elevator buttons
8. Public bathrooms
9. Hospitals
So, as you can see, each of these measures are well within our control. Let’s push back with cleanliness and proper awareness. To better global health!
Prevention of COVID- 19 ( Coronavirus
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
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.
These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.
Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
Material sources by :
- https://gulfnews.com/living-in-uae/health/you-can-kill-the-coronavirus-find-out-how-1.1583419603733
For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website -https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/
For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings
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