Within the past month, everyone has been discussing the now-global pandemic known as COVID-19, or the coronavirus. Here are some helpful tips on how to protect yourself and your family based on the most current medical information and recommendations.
Scrub a dub dub!
Clean Hands Campaign – Hand Washing of Father and Children at sink image courtesy of CDC
Washing one’s hands regularly with soap and warm water eliminates many germs that might have been passed from public surfaces; germs and bacteria can often live and breed on these surfaces for hours, even days! While we were taught to sing the “ABC’s” to achieve the proper scrub time, some of you may have graduated to singing the chorus of “I’m a Barbie Girl” at the top of your lungs while sanitizing, ahem. The main goal is to lather your hands with soap and wash for at least 20 seconds. If your hands have become dry and cracked from all that extra washing, try applying coconut oil or olive oil to add a little hydration back to your hands.
Wash it.. Wash it good!
If you managed to procure some Lysol wipes or even a bottle of disinfectant before the madness started, use these items if you cannot get to a sink and soap. Also, make sure to sanitize things you touch or come into contact with often. With the shortage and hoarding of cleaning products, the CDC suggests that people focus on cellphones, doorknobs, tables, computers and keyboards—pretty much anything you touch frequently. Most importantly, DO NOT TOUCH OBJECTS OR SURFACES AND THEN YOUR FACE!
Don’t stand so…Don’t stand so close to me
Bond, James Bond, will have to wait, along with that spring break cruise you had booked. The CDC warns that sneezing or coughing is an effective way to transmit the virus within six feet of others. Even though it is being recommended that you avoid people and large groups, there is no reason to panic and start stockpiling supplies from the grocery store. You can keep your distance, disinfect shopping carts or baskets and not become that guy on the news who now has 100 rolls of toilet paper in his storage unit.
SICK? STAY HOME!
Staying home when you are sick should be common sense. There is nothing worse than watching the common winter cold run rampant through the office or school because someone believes they can fight through it. Some people are just carriers of a bug and do not even show symptoms. If you do feel sick, it’s best to isolate yourself and stay home until you feel better. If you are experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus, such as fever, coughing and breathlessness, notify a care physician as soon as possible.
Panic? No need
Since the outbreak, the media has been reporting on the coronavirus every day. The longer it goes on, the bigger the hype. While it is a potentially deadly virus, it is best to remain calm and continue to practice social distancing as suggested by the CDC. Instead of panicking, we should use this opportunity to show the world once again that we as Americans can pull through another disaster as one. In the midst of all that is happening, we won’t show fear, but instead kindness and compassion.