Covid-19 completely changed our world, as it has affected every sphere of life, and everyone compulsorily had to adapt to survive in these changing times. As much as we might not have control over how far the virus spreads, there are things we can do to protect ourselves and the one we love. This article serves as a guide on how to protect yourself from Covid-19.
Watch Your Symptoms
Symptoms from Covid-19 can be mild or severe, based on your immune system, the variant you’re facing and the fact that one’s suffers from comorbidities or not.
It is important to be conversant with these symptoms so you know what step to take if you notice any of them. These symptoms may manifest themselves between 2-14 days of exposure to the virus. Some of these symptoms include:
- Fever
- Shortness of breath or difficulty with breathing
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Loss of the sense of smell and taste
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Body aches
It is important to note that these symptoms may not be all there is to Covid-19, it depends of the patient, but as new ones are discovered, CDC will continue to update the list.
Practice Social Distancing
Social distancing is also known as physical distancing and it simply means keeping a safe space between yourself and those who do not live with you. To practice social distancing, you have to stay 6 feet apart from people who do not live with you, whether indoors or outdoors.
The rationale behind social distancing is that coronavirus spreads majorly among people who are in close contact (within 1 meter) for a period, especially indoor. This occurs by respiratory droplet transmission from an infected person with respiratory symptoms such as coughing and sneezing, to another susceptible person. The droplets are inhaled via the mouth and nose and an infection can result. So, staying about 6 meters away keeps you safe from droplet transmission.
Studies have shown that people who have the virus but do not manifest symptoms can also spread it, this means that you have to stay 6 feet apart from everyone not living with you because you may not know who has been infected and who has not.
If you have been infected or you are manifesting symptoms of infection, you need to stay away from other people so you do not contribute to the spread of the virus.
Social distancing should not be observed in isolation; it should be observed together with the other Covid-19 precautionary measures to ensure effective protection from the virus.
Wash Your Hands Regularly
Hand washing must be properly done with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Wash your hands:
- After coming in contact with someone sick.
- After coming in contact with pets.
- After handling a mask.
- Before you eat or prepare meals.
- When you leave a public space or use public utilities.
- When you cough, sneeze, or blow your nose.
If you do not have access to soap and water, you can make use of a hand sanitizer that has at least sixty percent alcohol content and ensure you rub all surfaces of your palms until they are dry.
Wear a Mask
Masks are non-negotiable items for protection in this Covid-19 world.
It is essential to put on a mask whenever you find yourself in a public place. Everyone should make use of medical face masks in public except children who are 2 years and below who might be at risk of suffocation from the masks. There might come a time when a member of your household has been infected; in such a situation, other members of the household should put on their masks at all times to prevent the spread of the virus to other people. If you run out of masks, or if you need large quantities for your company, a face mask wholesaler and manufacturer like The Kare Lab can help, and ship worldwide.
You must wash your hands or make use of a hand sanitizer before you put on your mask.
There is a correct way of wearing a mask:
- Wear it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin as you slip the loops over your ears.
- Do not wear the mask on your chin, it should be worn to cover your mouth and nose.
- It is also very important that the mask fits perfectly: if you have to adjust it now and then, you might need to get another one that fits perfectly.
- You must make sure you can breathe easily while having the mask on.
This should be done in addition to observing social distancing and washing your hands regularly.
Get Vaccinated
Covid-19 vaccines are now available for people who are 16 years and above in America, while the vaccine starts to be more and more available in Europe and some Asian countries.
They are pretty effective at preventing illness. Studies have shown that people who have been fully vaccinated can resume some of the activities they stopped because of Coronavirus. How vaccines will affect the spread of Covis-19 has not been fully determined, but you must continue to take precautionary measures like observing social distancing, wearing your mask, washing your hands, and avoiding crowded places.
Moderna and Pfizer vaccines come in double dose series and a person is considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after taking the second dose. For single dose series, such as Johnson and Johnson’s Janssen, an individual is considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after taking a dose.
If you have not met up with these requirements, you are not fully vaccinated and it is important to keep taking all precautions till you are fully vaccinated.
Finally, whether vaccinated or not, you need to ensure that you stick to precautionary measures for as long as Covid-19 has not been eradicated from the world. You need these measures to protect yourself and other people around you.
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