How to protect yourself from the Coronavirus

The things you should do to protect yourself from the coronavirus are things you should do every day,
“The no. 1 thing you can do to prevent any respiratory illness is to practice good personal hygiene.”

Coronavirus is a respiratory illness with flu-like symptoms; fever, headache, dry cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath is now a public health emergency of global concern that has killed more than 3,000 people and infected more than 88,000 worldwide.

According to the World Health Organisation, the virus spreads like the flu. Whenever someone with the virus coughs or exhales, they release droplets of infected fluid that can land on nearby surfaces like desks and can infect another person who comes into contact.

Here are 5 simple ways to protect yourself

1. Wash your hands with soap or use a hand sanitizer that contains alcohol.
2. Sneeze and cough into tissues or the crook of your elbow. If you get mucus or spit on your skin, clean it off right away. Avoid touching Your face with unwashed hands.
3. Avoid close contact with people who are sick, especially people exhibiting respiratory symptoms and fever.
4. Stay home when you’re sick.
5. Regularly and thoroughly clean surfaces, such as countertops and doorknobs, with a disinfectant.

Steps to Prevent Illness

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person.

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. Please consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself.

To disinfect:
Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.

Options include:

• Diluting your household bleach.
  To make a bleach solution, mix:
  • 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
    OR
  • 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

  Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

• Alcohol solutions.
  Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.
• Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants.
  Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens pdf claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).

Content courtesy of WHO & Nairobi fashion hub