Prevention of Virus in West Countries
Health regulations in west countries are aimed at protecting against, controlling, preventing, as well as providing health response to the spread of the virus in ways that are restricted to and commensurate with the public health risks. The west countries prevent the spread of a virus through the restriction of travels. Most countries in the west cancel flights in and out of their borders, avoiding the spread of a virus. For example, in Canada, during the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreaks, the country closed its borders, preventing people who came from the affected countries from visiting. During the latest news about the Coronavirus, the United States issued a travel advisory to China where travels were canceled in and out. Airlines such as United and American Airlines, canceled flights to China. Counties like Canada followed suit.
Where flights are not canceled to prevent the spread of the virus, thorough screening is done at the borders to prevent infected persons from entering a country. Immediately when news came out about the Coronavirus in China, screening of passengers began in airports in Canada and the U.S. Besides being screened for the virus, passengers are also screened for other symptoms of the virus. Inquiries are also made about the passengers’ visits to Wuhan to check for the contraction of the virus.
West countries also use the strategy of isolation to prevent the spread of a virus. A person identified to have an infection is isolated in a hospital to receive treatment while people in close contact with the person are kept at home isolated with everyday check-ups of their state (Siegel et al., 2007). People who show signs of symptoms after being in contact with an infected person are also isolated in the hospital.
West countries also use vaccines to prevent the spread of a virus. Some viruses already have vaccines. In case of an outbreak, the west countries vaccinate their people against the virus. The citizens are advised to visit ta medical facility after travel to infection affected areas. For example, in 2019, the U.S approved an Ebola vaccine to protect the citizens against Ebola.
The west countries also educate people on the importance of both respiratory and hand hygiene to prevent a virus that can be spread through contact. Viruses such as Coronavirus are spread through being in connection with a person who has the virus or even through the breath. To prevent the infection from spreading from one person to another, Gloves are recommended and provided when coming in contact with a sick person. A face and eye protection are also used for airborne precaution.
References
Siegel, J. D., Rhinehart, E., Jackson, M., & Chiarello, L. (2007). 2007 Guideline for isolation precautions preventing transmission of infectious agents in healthcare settings.