Preventions that need to be taken to protect yourself from COVID-19

 Ever since the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first identified and named in January, there has been a flurry of forward messages on Whatsapp, news articles and social media posts about the respiratory illness. This flood of information can make it difficult to separate facts from fiction, and in a rapidly evolving situation such as this, rumors and misinformation can be dangerous. It is highly essential to identify the rumors and stick to the facts so we can all take accurate preventative measures in order to protect ourselves and our loved one’s from this virus.

Listed below are a few myths regarding the virus that have been proven to be false by medical officials across the globe:

• The Corona Virus will go away in the warmer months – False. The virus doesn’t follow any weather patterns and has spread across the globe despite the weather being warm in some countries and cold in others.
• The Virus will spread more during summer through mosquitos – False. This virus spreads through respiratory droplets and is not an air borne virus. Mosquitos will not increase the spread.
• Hand Sanitisers are better than soap – False. Soap and water actually kills and washes away the virus from skin since it cannot penetrate our skin cells. It is highly essential to wash your hands every 20 minutes and only use hand sanitizer to clean your hands when water isn’t available.
• Social Distancing is not that important – False. Social Distancing is highly essential to control the virus and prevent it from spreading any further. Everyone needs to stay home in order to stay safe and help beat this virus.
• If you can hold your breath for 10 seconds without discomfort, you don’t have COVID – False. Most younger patients with COVID will be likely to hold their breathe for much longer than 10 seconds as compared to an elderly individual who does not have COVID.

Taking the following measures is highly recommended in order to prevent yourself from contracting the virus:

• Avoid close contact with people, especially people who are sick. Avoid crowded locations like malls, theaters, mosques and sports venues.
• Keep your hands clean.Wash your hands often with soap and 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 water are not readily available, 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 hands.
• Avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places—elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.
• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• Avoid all non-essential travel.

Let’s all stay home and stay safe until these troubled times are over. We wish you all a safe and healthy quarantine!

Conatural's Hand Sanitisers are available here