How To Prepare For The Coronavirus And Ways To Prevent Catching It
Coronavirus has become a major pandemic in a short time, infecting lots of people all over the world. What’s scary about this virus is that there is currently no medication that can treat it effectively. So, it is vital that you know what you should or shouldn’t do to help you be on the safe side. Here, we look at what Coronavirus is, what to do if it gets to your country, and crucial steps to take if you notice any symptoms. So, read on to find out.
So, what is Coronavirus?
Coronavirus is a new sickness that mostly affects your respiratory system causing mild to severe effects. So, Coronavirus causes symptoms like coughs, fever, sore throat, runny nose, and even breathing difficulties in severe cases. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
How the Coronavirus spreads
The Coronavirus is still very new, even to medical experts, as they are also trying to understand how it might be spread from person to person. However, similar viruses are usually spread through sneeze droplets and coughs. Therefore, when someone with this virus sneezes or coughs, he/she releases some mucus or saliva droplets that might fall on the face or hands of another person, especially if it is in public. That way, if the person inhales the droplets or touches the face, then that leads to coronavirus transmission. Experts say that being within ten feet of someone with this virus and who’s coughing continuously for about 10 minutes can increase the chances of being infected.
Scientists say that this illness can also be spread if droplets from an infected person land on surfaces like seats on trains, buses, and even desks. The virus can last for hours or even months, depending on the surface, thus making it hard to determine if this is a major transmission route. Also, there is some evidence showing that people can transmit Coronavirus even before showing any symptoms hence making it very tricky to control it from spreading.
How to prepare for the coronavirus pandemic
Coronavirus cases are increasing daily all over the planet, thus making it vital to know proper ways that you can use to stay safe. In the United States, the government has ordered schools to be closed and urged citizens to stay away from public places to try and reduce the spread of this virus. On a personal level, here are some of the best ways that can help you prepare for this virus:
- Wash your hands often
Some of the most helpful tricks that can help to reduce the widespread of this virus are those you find it hard to follow. For instance, washing your hands more often can help to get rid of the Coronavirus in case you touched some droplets containing it on the bus or a bench.
The CDC insists that it is advisable to wash your hands with clean water for about 20 seconds after visiting the washrooms before meals and after sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose. If you feel like your hands are not dirty, then you can use a hand sanitizer to stay clean.
It is also vital that you avoid shaking hands and always use a tissue when blowing your nose then dispose of it immediately. In addition, make sure not to touch your face with dirty or unsanitized hands as that can increase the chances of catching this virus.
- Avoid public places
The best way so far that can help to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus is by avoiding close contact, especially in crowded places. Most governments worldwide are now advising their citizens to work from home, order food online instead of visiting supermarkets and grocery stores, and even cancel public events.
In a certain conference held in Boston, one attendee affected over 70 people showing that this virus is spread more easily than you can imagine. Therefore, avoiding public or crowded places will help to reduce the chances of going near people’s sneezes and coughs of infected people hence allowing you to stay healthier.
If you must go to a public place such as a church, then it is advisable that you stay about 6 feet away or even further. Working from home also helps to reduce the number of people using public transport means like trains and buses. Doing this makes it easier for passengers to keep a safer distance between each other and minimize the risks of infection in case one or more are infected.
- Wear a face mask
In places like China, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea, people wearing face masks is a common sight nowadays as they’re the places that have been struck by this virus. This has made it necessary to wear face masks in other countries hit by Coronavirus. However, the CDC has advised that these masks should mostly be worn by infected people. So, if you are healthy and haven’t shown any coronavirus symptoms, then it is not a must you wear a mask, provided you follow other major tips like avoiding crowded places and maintaining good hygiene.
Doctors are, however, advised to wear these masks, especially those dealing with the screening of this virus. That way, they can help patients with Coronavirus without the fear of contracting it. Also, if you are tested, and you show some characteristics of Coronavirus, then it is crucial you wear a mask to help protect the people around you.
- Psychological preparation
Pandemics are always scary. The spread of this virus has disrupted many people’s lives in the world. So, it is only responsible to train your brain to understand that life can sometimes bring such things that make everything so complicated. So, you can even read more about this virus to help see what its symptoms and effects that it causes are. That way, you will be prepared if you get infected or a family member, thus making the containment period even easier to handle.
What to do if you think you might have Coronavirus
Coronavirus symptoms usually show after about two or ten days but might even take more time. Older people, especially those with other medical conditions, might get more severe symptoms due to their weak immune system to at least try and fight the virus. So, if you notice more than one major sign, make sure you seek immediate medical help.
If you suspect you might have Coronavirus and live alone, then ask friends, family, or even colleagues to help you get the things you need and stay indoors for about 14 days or more. This is usually a great idea as it enables you to be sure if you are sick, then determine the next step. For people who live with their families, you are advised to stay a few meters away during the 14 days to avoid infecting anyone in case you are sick.
There is no need to seek medical attention during the self-isolation period. However, if your symptoms become more severe within these days, then ask for help. Also, if you feel fine, but you recently visited an affected area or country such as China, then you must go for screening to be sure that you are healthy before interacting with other people.
Is there a possibility of containment?
It has been a few months since this pandemic arose, and its effects were first spotted in seafood and live animal market in China. Since this, Coronavirus has infected and killed thousands of people around the globe. Experts say that coronavirus cases will start decreasing when most people develop stronger immunity that can fight this virus.
According to scientists, it is highly unlikely that Coronavirus will be contained in a few locations at the moment. They also add that since the virus has started reaching many countries, containing it might be harder since they can never be sure when an infected person travels to another country and takes the virus with him/her.
More than 95% of Coronavirus cases are reported in mainland China. However, Coronavirus has also affected other countries majorly, such as Italy, Taiwan, Singapore, Iran, Korea, and Japan. About a week ago, the CDC announced that there had been a case of this virus in Nothern California from someone who’d not visited any affected areas. So, this virus is very hard to control, which even makes it trickier to find the best coronavirus treatment.
The most efficient way to slow down the spread of this virus is through containment measures such as travel restrictions and quarantines. For instance, the recent case where a huge percent of people in the Diamond Princess cruise ship showed some coronavirus symptoms, they were forced to stay in the ship as they receive medical assistance. Being allowed to get out of the ship would have lead to many other people being infected, thus increasing the number of cases.
Coronavirus is a deadly pandemic that has shaken the entire universe since proper treatment hasn’t been found yet. However, you can use the above tips and vital information to help you stay safe and avoid catching this virus. You can also use the above information if you think you might have Coronavirus to help you reduce the chances of infecting others as you wait to find the best coronavirus diagnosis.