COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the recently discovered coronavirus. Covid-19: 2nd wave has been disastrous for India. People can get infected with the virus from others who already carry it. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth. When an infected person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales the droplets land on objects and surfaces around them. Other people contact COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients also experience aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people who are infected also remain asymptomatic. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who come in contact with the virus become seriously ill and develop breathing difficulties. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems, or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illnesses. People with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention. India is currently going through Covid-19: Second Wave.
Precautions against Covid-19
Wash Your Hands
Regular hand washing is important to avoid any kind of infections, same goes for Covid-19. Wash your hands at regular intervals with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. It is more important to wash hands after you have been in a public place, after touching common surfaces such as doorknobs or handles, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Wash hands before and after eating, touching your face, handling your mask, or touching animals and pets.
We should also use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed or un-sanitized hands.
Wear a Mask
According to the Centre for Disease Control, everyone above the age of two should wear masks in public.
One should wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before putting on the mask to avoid accidental infections.
The mask should be worn over the nose and mouth and secured it under the chin. The nose should not be exposed under any condition.
Find a mask that fits properly and ensure that you can breathe easily while wearing it.
Dispose of off the used mask properly to ensure others do not get infected due to the soiled mask.
Maintain Distance
Avoid close contact with people who are sick inside your homes. Maintenance of 6 feet of distance between the person who is sick and other household members is essential.
It is important to remember that a lot of people who we meet outside the house may be asymptomatic. Put 6 feet of distance between oneself and people who we meet outside of our homes.
When someone coughs or sneezes they exhale or let out small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus, and be at risk.
Always cover coughs and sneezes
Put on a new, clean mask after sneezing/ coughing and wash your hands.
Inside your homes, if you are not wearing a mask always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue while coughing or sneezing, or use the inside of your elbow. Do not spit everywhere and always throw used tissues in the dustbin.
Clean your hands immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use sanitizer.
Eating Healthy and Monitoring Health Daily
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables regularly and always be alert for symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
Check your temperature if you feel unwell or develop symptoms.
Exercise daily to keep fit and healthy.
Recent government announcements have also confirmed that all citizens above the age of 18 are now eligible to get vaccinated. Registrations start from the 28th of April 2020 and vaccinations for those who are registered on the CoWIN Platform and Aarogya Setu app will start from the 1st of May 2021. Together let’s follow all precautions and get through Covid-19: 2nd Wave.
To support Covid-19: 2nd wave relief visit https://www.smilefoundationindia.org/health-cannot-wait/
