Today, we live in what seems like the twilight zone. We are surrounded by an enemy we cannot see, hear, sense, or anything in between. So, the only thing we can do is to be as safe as possible other than simply closing ourselves off in the safety of our home.
Primary Transmission Mode
According to the latest research, it is generally thought that respiratory droplets are the primary mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) spreads from one person to another.
So, to do your civic duty, use a tissue to cover your coughing or sneezing. Also, wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, or going to the bathroom.
Wear Mask
Put on a mask covering your nose and mouth when you are out and about and come close to others who are not your immediate family members.
Social Distance
When you are out of the home, try to maintain six feet or more between you and others. For example, when you go for a walk and you see someone coming from the opposite direction, try to walk as far away from the other person as possible. Similarly, in a store, try to stay as far away as possible from other patrons and store employees. And, if that is not possible, then walk as quickly as possible to go past them. Also, do not hang around within six feet of others contemplating buying something on a store’s shelf. Instead, move on and circle back later.
Time Your Excursions
When you go to stores, try going at times when stores are likely to be least crowded. And, specifically avoid peak hours. Moreover, if you do not know what the peak hours are, ask the store manager.
Washing Hands
Wash your hands often, especially when you get home from being out and about, such as from a grocery store. Also, if the opportunity presents itself, wash your hands when you are outside the home. By the way, some stores keep handy wipes near their doors. So, use them to wipe your hand upon entering the store and, especially, upon leaving the store.
By the way, currently, there is no evidence that people get the SARS-CoV-2 from food. However, it is still good practice to always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before preparing or eating food. Incidentally, one way to estimate 20 seconds is to count to 20 at a steady pace: not too fast nor too slow.
Avoid Touching Your Face
Get in the habit, of avoiding touching your face, especially the eyes, nose, and mouth, whether you are at home or not. In fact, this practice prevents viruses from getting into your respiratory system.
Cleaning Mask
If you are wearing a cloth mask, you can quickly wash it with soap and water when you come home. Or, you can run it through a washing machine and dryer after use. But, make sure you use a laundry detergent.
Wiping Surfaces
Now, it may be possible that a person can get the SARS-CoV-2 virus by touching a surface or an object like a packaging container, that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. However, this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Incidentally, coronaviruses are unlikely to survive for long on surfaces. As a result, there is likely a low risk that you get the coronavirus from touching surfaces or food products and their packaging.
In any case, to be on the safe side, regularly clean and disinfect knobs on doors, handrails, entertainment system remotes and others, as well as tables, around the home or at work.
Exercise
Get aerobic exercise such as walking, speed walking, jogging, bicycling, hiking, and others. In fact, aerobics have been known to help you make your immune system significantly stronger. By the way, a stronger immune system helps your body fight the SARS-CoV-2 virus if you do get infected.
Eat Healthy
Another proactive thing you can do is eat foods that helps your immune system. For example, vitamins A, C, D, and E as well as minerals like zinc, selenium and magnesium help improve your immune system. However, instead of taking vitamin supplements, a better approach is to eat fresh wholesome foods like fruits and vegetables that contain these vitamins and minerals. Or, you can turn these fruits and vegetables into drinks. Meanwhile, some excellent sources of vitamins and minerals include
- Carrots, spinach, and dark leafy greens give you vitamin A.
- Strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli give you vitamin C.
- Almonds and sweet potatoes give you vitamin E.
- Salmon and haddock give you selenium.
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