Coronavirus: How to Protect Yourself and Prevent Spreading the Disease

Mar 5

If you’ve visited your local drugstore only to find that hand sanitizer is out of stock, or received an email from your employer announcing a temporary work-from-home policy for anyone who’s traveled in the last 14 days, you’ve likely felt the effect of the trending Coronavirus.

What is Coronavirus?

Although Coronaviruses are nothing new — the common cold and flu fall into this classification, too — the current outbreak, also known as COVID-19, is a new type of Coronavirus not previously identified.

As of March 4, 2020, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports there have been 80 cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. across 13 states. Of those reported U.S. cases, nine deaths were reported due to the virus.

Until more information is known, practicing a few habits can help you protect your health and prevent the spread of the outbreak. Fortunately, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to do your part in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

How to avoid Coronavirus and protect others, too

These are basic, healthy practices to avoid contracting and spreading respiratory illnesses, like the novel Coronavirus.

1. Wash your hands, frequently

When washing your hands, make sure soap suds are worked onto the back of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails. The CDC recommends soaping your hands for at least 20 seconds, before rinsing your hands with clean water.

You should wash your hands before and after eating, after coming in contact with someone who’s sick, after using the restroom or cleaning up after a child, and after blowing your nose, or coughing or sneezing.

2. Use hand sanitizer

If you’re unable to wash your hands with soap and water, the next best thing is using hand sanitizer that’s at least 60% alcohol. Using the recommended amount on the label, work the sanitizer into your hands, on the backs of your hands, and between fingers.

Although hand sanitizer doesn’t kill 100% of germs, it’s a good alternative when you don’t have running water and soap nearby.

3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

This one takes a bit of mindfulness, especially if you have an unconscious habit of touching your face. Pathogens can easily get into the mucus membranes in your eyes, nose, and mouth so keep unwashed hands off of those areas.

4. Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing

When coughing or sneezing, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve. Throw used tissues away immediately after use.

Don’t sneeze or cough into your hands! Using your hands to sneeze or cough into, leads to a greater risk of transferring diseases onto high-contact surfaces, like doorknobs, phones, public handrails, etc.

According to the CDC, individuals who are well should not use a facemask, either. Currently, there’s currently a shortage of facemasks and other protective health supplies for those who need them most. The use of facemasks should be reserved for first responders, health professionals, and those who are already sick, to prevent spreading the disease.

5. Don’t share personal items

Avoid sharing items, like utensils, straws, cups, eye and lip cosmetics, towels, and eye drops. These are the perfect vehicles to spread the disease to others. When you’re finished using the item, make sure to wash it thoroughly with soap and water.

What to do if you’re sick

If you suspect you may have been exposed to COVID-19, see a doctor, immediately. Make sure to call the office before visiting. The office may need to prepare the office ahead of your arrival, to ensure the staff and other patients are protected.

After your doctor’s visit, follow their instructions carefully, including home-quarantine requirements, testing, and travel restrictions. To avoid transmitting the disease to others, discourage friends and family from visiting your home while you’re quarantined.

The CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) are aggressively working to learn more about the newly-identified Coronavirus. The WHO director-general reported that it’s currently developing more than 20 vaccines to address the novel Coronavirus. For now, diligently following the low-cost hygiene practices above can help contain the disease on an individual level.

Jennifer Calonia