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| COVID 19: MAINTAINING APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR | | |
Dr. Parveen Kumar, Dr. Feroz Din Sheikh
Almost a year gone, but the destruction is still continuing. Humanity is at the cross roads. Millions of peoples have died and many millions are getting infected daily due to the deadly Corona Virus. The challenge is really unprecedented and unexpected. Adding to the woes is the inability of the mankind to develop a vaccine or any other medication for this deadly virus. Around the world, the covid-19 virus is affecting 218 countries and territories. Global Covid-19 cases have breached 72-million mark as per the latest update of John Hopkins University on Dec. 14. The Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at John Hopkins University reported that the world count toll of corona virus stood at 72,185,121 and the number of deaths due to this deadly virus stood at 1,611,436. In India too, the virus is not showing any visible signs of being on the decline. Till date, there are no specific vaccines or medicines for COVID-19. Treatments are under investigation and vaccination is under different stages of trial.
COVID-19 spreads mainly by droplets produced as a result of coughing or sneezing of an infected person. This can happen in two ways either by direct close contact with COVID-19 patients (within one meter) of the infected person, especially if they do not cover their face when coughing or sneezing or by Indirect contact through the droplets that survive on surfaces and clothes for many days. Therefore, touching any such infected surface or cloth and then touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes can transmit the disease. The best way to prevent ourselves is therefore to avoid being exposed to the COVID-19 virus. As such, taking safety and preventive measures is the only way we can control the spread of the deadly virus. Maintaining an appropriate behaviour in these hard times is the key to keep ourselves away from this deadly virus. This appropriate behaviour involves many do’s and don’ts which all of us have to follow, if we have to stay fit and fine. Such appropriate behaviour must include:
Maintaining physical distance: As the virus spread through the infected person by way of sneezing or coughing, it is necessary to maintain physical distance of at least 1 to 1.5 meter from each other.
Wear Masks: It is advisable to wear mask, more so when we go out in the market or other crowded places. Masks can help prevent the spread of the virus from the person wearing the mask to others. Masks alone do not protect against COVID-19, and should be combined with physical distancing and hand hygiene.
Washing hands frequently and thoroughly: We should wash our hands frequently and thoroughly. Care should be taken of small children to ensure that they are also washing their hands thoroughly. Use an alcohol based sanitizer for sanitizing hands.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouths: Children have the habit of frequently touching their eyes, putting their fingers in mouth and nose. This should be avoided.
Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces: Surfaces like door handles, knobs, bottles, utensils which are frequently touched should be regularly cleaned and disinfected.
Don’t spit at public places: Spit can be a source of deadly virus. All of us should not spit in the open or at public places.
Stay indoors and don’t travel unnecessarily: Unnecessary travel should be avoided. We should stay at our homes and should move out in the open only when required urgently. This will help to prevent overcrowding in buses, shops and other public places, further reducing the chances of spread of the disease.
Maintain respiratory hygiene: Always cover the mouth while coughing or sneezing. The best way to cough or sneeze is by covering the mouth with our bent elbow. Avoid using a handkerchief as it becomes a place for breeding bacteria and virus. COVID-19 spreads through droplets and thus, it is the best to cover your nose and mouth whenever you sneeze or cough.
Use Tissue papers: Always carry some tissues with us whenever we head out. Sneeze or cough in the tissue and dispose it off at a safe place. Using tissues is a better option than handkerchiefs, as tissues can be used and disposed of properly, thus preventing the spread of virus. After throwing away used tissues, we must always wash our hands with soap or use a sanitizer to wash away any dirt or germs.
Don’t share unverified information: We should also avoid sharing posts messages or any other content related to corona virus on social media handles that is not verified properly and is from unreliable sources. Such unverified information further causes panic in the society and has the potential to disrupt the social structure.
Seek information from credible sources: Any type of information from this deadly virus can be obtained from credible and reliable sources, the international agencies like the World Health organization, UNICEF, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, State Health Departments or the district or the block heads of the health department.
Discourage crowd: We should avoid mass gatherings. Although the government has eased the restrictions on social gatherings in marriages and at funeral, but the threat looms large over our heads. Social gatherings and crowd should be avoided.
Don’t discriminate: In some cases, the pandemic has taken the form of a social stigma. There have been incidences of persons and their families infected from the virus facing social boycott even when many of them have recovered fully. Such type of behaviour against the infected person and his family should be totally avoided. Corona infection is not untouchability. Such things should be discouraged. We should be sympathetic and encourage the family members and provide all moral support to the infected person not to get depressed or demoralized.
Immediately contact the nearest health center: If anyone is feeling symptoms like coughing, sneezing, fever, headache and tastelessness or he has come in contact with a Covid positive person immediately get tested for the virus. The persons who were in contact should also get themselves quarantined for a minimum of 14 days.
Toll Free No.: The Government of India has also started a Toll Free No. 1075. Anyone can dial it and get any type of assistance. The Leh administration has also set up a control room at CMO office which works 24*7 and can be reached by dialing 01982-256462
Add fruits and vegetables in the diet:
Fruits and vegetables are a rich source of various nutrients. They contain Vitamin C in right amount. They enhance our immune system and give body more strength to fight the deadly disease causing microorganism. These should be added in the diet. Drink a lot of water preferable boiled one. Homemade remedies against some common ailments should also be tried.
Remember that, if we want to protect others, we first have to protect ourselves. The fight has to be fought collectively and it has to be won by maintaining an appropriate COVID-19 behaviour. |
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