Some Precautionary Measures to Take Towards Covid-19

It is becoming clearer what Covid- 19 is all about and who is at the most receiving end. For example, it is clear that older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from Covid-19 illness.

Now that the much dreaded virus has been slow in its spread amongst Nigerians, it is important to highlight some precautionary measures that individuals can take in order to protect themselves from being infected. Some of the basic precautionary measures include:

Read more about Covid- 19

Be Knowledgeable on How it Spreads:

Given that 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.

Take Steps to Protect Yourself:

One of the easiest ways is to maintain very clean hands. This is simply achieved by clean your hands often. This could be done by:

• Wash your hands often with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

• If soap and running water are not readily available, use a hand sanitiser 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 hands.

Avoid Close Contact:

This includes at least the following:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick

• Put distance between yourself and other people if Covid-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Take Steps to Protect Others

This means that one should:

• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.

• Throw used tissues in the trash.

• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and running water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Sign up to the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter

Wear a Facemask if you are Sick If you are sick

You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room.  If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

Clean and Disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily

This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.To disinfect: Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.

Other 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.

Hope these precautionary measures help? Stay safe!

Source:

CDC

Featured Image Source: Smithsonian Magazine

Got something you want to read about on our platform? Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com

You might also like:

• Oral Hygiene Habits You Need To Inculcate Right Now
• How Physical Activity Can Boost Your Mood
• Entrepreneurship and ADHD: Strategies for Managing Symptoms
• Women You Should Know: Morenike Fajemisin

jeremiah

Jeremiah is a scholar and a poet. He has a keen eye for studying the world and is passionate about people. He tweets at @jeremiahaluwong.

Comments (3)