Tips for Staying Healthy and Avoiding Viruses Like Coronavirus
Coronavirus has taught us that the world is small and we are all connected. We have seen that illness can spread very quickly, and we need to know how to avoid Coronavirus.
It is up to all of us to look after our health, not just for ourselves, but for everyone else.
Here are tips for staying healthy and tips on how to avoid Coronavirus and other viruses:
1. Get Vaccinated
The CDC suggests getting vaccinated against seasonal flu. Vaccinations don’t guarantee total immunity, but the symptom severity can be reduced, lowering the risk of hospitalizations and even deaths.
Hopefully a vaccine will be created soon for Coronavirus.
2. Keep the Air as Clean as Possible
Viruses cause common colds and flu, which are respiratory infections. The viruses replicate in the mucus membranes, and when we cough or sneeze, they spread through the air in tiny droplets of mucus.
That is why you should stay at home when sick and sneeze or cough into your elbow.
Avoid cigarette smoke. It is a risk factor for diseases like cancer, asthma, and respiratory infections, even if only second-hand.
3. Disinfect Surfaces
Viruses can live on surfaces like metal, plastic, fabrics, paper and glass. How long they remain infectious depends on different factors like temperature and humidity, but it is best to assume that viruses are living and need to be disinfected.
Use products that contain alcohol or bleach, especially on frequently used places and objects like countertops, desks and keyboards. Make sure you disinfect properly by reading labels and following the instructions.
4. Practice Good Hygiene
Avoid touching your face, because viruses can enter the respiratory tract through the eyes, nose or mouth.
Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water. It is simple but effective, and can result in a 16-21 percent decrease in respiratory illnesses like colds and flu.
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water isn’t available.
5. Exercise
Exercise meaning regular physical activity. It can improve immune function, decreasing the risk of respiratory infection.
In addition, it improves general health and wellbeing and reduces the risk of stress and anxiety, high blood pressure and heart disease, among other things.
6. Social Distancing
All of these tips will help you stay healthy against viruses. Coronavirus is a virus as well, but with the coronavirus specifically, the best way to stay healthy is to avoid any large events or mass gatherings.
If someone is sick or has symptoms, avoid close contact – meaning about 6 feet away. This is particularly important if you are at higher risk of serious illness from a chronic medical condition.
Anyone with chronic medical conditions should check with their doctor to see how to protect themselves further for their particular condition.
7. Meat and Animals
The World Health Organization recommends avoiding eating raw or undercooked meat or animal organs. If you have been to live markets where there have been Coronavirus cases, avoid contact with live animals and any surfaces they may have touched.