The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Covid-19 a global pandemic. Throughout the world, there is havoc and chaos among people.
Events have been cancelled, countries are going into lockdown, schools have been closed, and public spaces are being avoided by people, as much as possible.
“We are on the brink of experiencing a public health catastrophe,” stated Marc Lipsitch, a Harvard Epidemiologist.
Therefore, students need to understand the difference between the flu and a cold. Students need to be well aware of all the specifics about the novel virus. If they are not aware of the symptoms, how will they report it to the authorities?
By far, we have seen that the majority of the victims are the elderly, as well as the people who have various health issues such as respiratory illness, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
“We see relatively few cases among children,” stated Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director General of the World Health Organization.
As the number of cases increasing exponentially, students must stay aware of the contagious virus and be educated on what they can do as preventive measures to keep themselves and others around them, safe. The thought of a pandemic is itself scary, especially for a youngster like a student.
Thus, in addition to the necessary information and awareness about the virus, students should also be prepared mentally or psychologically.
How Does The Virus Spread?
Since the outbreak of the Covid-19; scientists are trying to assess the virus’s possible cause of spread from one person to the other. So far, we know that similar infections tend to spread through sneeze, spits and cough droplets.
When a sick person sneezes or coughs, the mucus or saliva drops are released in the atmosphere. These infectious droplets can land onto anyone in the surroundings and transfer the infection. The person may inhale the virus and become a carrier. Even if the carrier’s immune system is strong enough to combat the virus, there is a good chance that they can transfer it to many others.
According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.”
The WHO and the CDC have issued some necessary measures that can help you stay virus-free.
1. Make sure you wash your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds.
2. Use tissues to cover your mouth while sneezing or coughing, and make sure to discard the tissue in the bin.
3. Frequently clean and disinfect objects that are touched.
4. If you are sick, stay at home.
5. Get in touch with the healthcare providers in your area in case of symptoms such as dry cough and fever. This is the most common symptom of coronavirus.
6. Do not touch your face.
7. Do not go outside if you are feverish and have a cough.
How Does It Feel To Be Infected With Coronavirus?
Some of the prominent symptoms of coronavirus include cough, fever and shortness of breath. If you suspect that you have caught the virus, seek medical help at once. The virus is highly contagious, so not only will you be putting yourself at risk, but also others.
However, proper medical care can be availed in many ways. To curb down the pandemic, healthcare providers are offering virtual visits to infected people, so you can get yourself checked in the comfort of your home. With just your laptop or smartphone, you can now have an initial assessment conducted by the healthcare provider in no time.
How to Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus?
In such times when the numbers of affectees are increasing every passing hour, we all have a major responsibility to do our part to avoid the spread of the disease.
1. Wash Your Hands
One of the best and most effective preventive measures is to wash your hands and avoid touching your face or mouth. People know that this is the most recommended action that must be taken by all; not everyone find it easy to practice. Make it a habit to wash your hands for a minimum 20 seconds before eating, after using the restroom, and most importantly, after sneezing and coughing.
2. Avoid Going To Public Spaces
Public spaces and gatherings can make you vulnerable. If you are visiting public places frequently, you are more prone to catch coronavirus. To curtail the spread of the virus; people need to avoid coming near to other people. Conferences and events, where a large number of people are present, are already being cancelled as an additional effort by governments.
3. Wear Face Masks
Experts recommend another precautionary measure to keep yourself safe from coronavirus, i.e. wear face masks. These masks protect you from the virus invasion by blocking the liquid droplets that may pass during someone’s coughing or sneezing.
4. Strengthen Your Immune System
Strengthening your immune system is crucial so that it combats not just coronavirus, but any disease that may come your way. Increase your intake of Vitamin C and try to intake such food that is rich in vitamins and minerals. If God forbid, you do catch coronavirus; then a strong immune system is the only and foremost cure available right now to combat the virus. As they say, prevention is better than cure.
The Bottom Line
In this tough time, when everyone in the world in trying to be safe, we all must play our part.
Take standard precautions as recommended by the WHO and the CDC to help restrain the spread of the virus. Be sure to wash your hands regularly, and to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you feel like coughing or sneezing. Most importantly, pass on this information to your friends and family so that they can too, play their part.
These times may be difficult, but we all must stay strong to fight this off and resume our normal lives once again.
