COVID-19 or Coronavirus has infected thousands of people in various countries and claimed hundreds of lives. In order to avoid Coronavirus infection, there are several ways you can do to prevent transmission of the Coronavirus.
The cause of this outbreak is a new type of Coronavirus called the 2019 Coronavirus novel (2019-nCoV). This disease belongs to the same virus class as the virus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle-East respiratory syndrome (MERS).
When infected by Coronavirus, a person will experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, and runny nose. However, a few days afterward, people who develop Coronavirus infection can experience shortness of breath due to infection in the lungs (pneumonia).
Until now, there has been no treatment that can cure Coronavirus infection. Therefore, the World Health Organization (WHO) appealed to the public not to look down on this disease and always take preventative measures. One way is to implement social distancing.
Some steps that can be taken to prevent coronavirus infection, such as:
1. Wash your hands properly
Washing your hands properly is the simplest but effective way to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. Wash your hands with running water and soap, for at least 20 seconds. Make sure all parts of the hand are washed thoroughly, including the back of the hand, wrist, between the fingers, and nails. After that, dry your hands using a tissue, clean towel, or a hand dryer.
You can also clean your hands with a hand sanitizer. Use hand sanitizer products with an alcohol content of at least 60% to be more effective at disinfecting germs.
Wash your hands regularly, especially before and after eating, after using the toilet, after touching animals, taking out the trash, and after coughing or sneezing.
2. Wear mask
There are two types of masks that you can use to prevent transmission of the Coronavirus, namely surgical mask and N95 mask.
Surgical masks are disposable masks that are commonly used. This mask is easy to find, the price is affordable, and comfortable to wear, so many people use this mask when they are on their daily activities.
The correct way to use a surgical mask is that the colored side of the mask should face outward, while the white inner side faces the face and covers the chin, nose and mouth. The white side is made of material that can absorb dirt and filter germs from the air.
While the N95 mask is a type of mask designed specifically to filter out harmful particles in the air. This type of mask is actually more recommended to prevent Coronavirus infection. However, this mask is not comfortable to wear everyday and the price is relatively expensive.
When removing the mask from the face, both the surgical mask and the N95 mask, avoid touching the front of the mask, because that part is full of germs attached. After removing the mask, wash your hands with soap or hand sanitizer, so that the hands are clean from germs.
3. Maintain immunity
A strong immune system can prevent various diseases. To maintain and increase immunity, you are advised to eat healthy foods, such as vegetables and fruits, and protein foods, such as eggs, fish, and lean meat. If necessary, you also could consume more supplements as directed by your doctor.
In addition, regular exercise, adequate sleep, not smoking, and not consuming alcoholic beverages can also increase immunity to avoid transmission of the Coronavirus.
4. Don’t go to an infected country
Not only China, Coronavirus infection has now also spread to several other countries, such as Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, Iran, the United States, and Europe. The Coronavirus has also been confirmed to be found in SEA countries such as Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.
To avoid contracting this virus, you are advised not to travel to places that already have a Coronavirus infection case or have the potential to become a Coronavirus site.
The new type of Coronavirus is thought to originate from bats and is spread by several mammals and reptiles. Therefore, avoid contact with these animals.
If you want to consume meat or fish, make sure the meat or fish has been washed and cooked until completely cooked. Avoid eating meat or fish that are not fresh or rotten.
If you experience flu symptoms, such as coughing, fever, and colds, which are accompanied by weakness and shortness of breath. Immediately ask your doctor to be able to ascertained the cause and given the right treatment.