You're certainly worried about the coronavirus (COVID-19), as it doesn't make the news anymore. As there are confirmed cases of the virus in several countries, it is normal to be a little afraid of what might happen. While the possibility of a pandemic is tense, understand that the chances of an outbreak occurring where there is no confirmed case are low. Anyway, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other agencies of the type recommend that everyone prepares with some basic measures. Read this article and find out more!
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Preventing the Virus from Spreading
Step 1. Get vaccinated
Try to get the vaccine as soon as it is available to you. In Brazil, vaccines are gradually becoming available. Each city has its own vaccination rules and groups: in general, older people are vaccinated first; then come health workers and those working in other essential areas. Stay informed about your municipality's vaccination schedule on the official pages of your city hall and in the press.
- At the moment, only Pfizer's vaccine has been definitively approved in Brazil. Oxford (Astra-Zeneca) and Coronavac vaccines are being used on an emergency basis.
- All vaccines demonstrated a high degree of protection against COVID-19. In addition to reducing infection rates, all of them practically eliminate the chance of a worsening of the disease if you catch it.
Step 2. Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water
It sounds simple, but washing your hands is one of the best ways to protect yourself. Wet them with warm running water and apply soap to the palms. Rub them in for 20 seconds, then rinse with more warm water.
You can sanitize your hands with alcohol gel, as long as you wash your hands as well
Step 3. Practice physical detachment by staying at home as much as possible
The virus is more easily spread between groups, especially in the midst of agglomerations. Protecting yourself and others, however, is easy: if you can, just stay at home. Go out only when necessary, like when you need to shop. Being able to do so, just enjoy the comfort of your home.
- If you are in any risk group and someone in your family works in a service considered essential, be careful and limit your contact with that person.
- If you decide to do something with friends or family at home, try not to have more than 10 people. Even healthy young people can contract the virus and spread it to others. Depending on the region, however, your state (or country) government may have banned any kind of agglomeration. Try to find out.
- There are several ways to have fun at home! You can play games, create something, read a book, play in the backyard or watch movies.
Step 4. Stay at least two meters away from other people when outside
Maybe you need to leave the house to shop. Try to keep your distance from others to stay protected and, just in case, protect others as well. It is possible to spread COVID-19 before symptoms appear, so make room for others.
Step 5. As much as possible avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Coronavirus generally spreads in the form of droplets that infected people throw into the air when they sneeze, cough, or touch the skin with their contaminated hands. Therefore, only touch your face after washing the skin to avoid spreading germs by accident.
Blow your nose and cover your mouth with tissues as your hands may be dirty
Step 6. Don't shake hands with anyone
Unfortunately, people who are infected with coronavirus can pass the disease on to others even without physical contact. For this reason, it is best not to shake hands with anyone until the threat is actually contained. Explain that you want to protect yourself, but be polite.
Say "Nice to see you too. I would shake your hand, but WHO recommends that people avoid physical contact while the coronavirus is advancing."
Step 7. Stay away from anyone who starts coughing and sneezing
Even if the person probably doesn't have the coronavirus, it's better to be safe than sorry if they show any symptoms of respiratory infection. Get away from it quickly, but politely.
If you and the person are talking, be polite and ask permission. Say "I just saw you're coughing. I hope it gets better, but I'm going to step back so I don't accidentally inhale your germs."
Tip:
although it originated in China, the coronavirus has nothing to do with Asian peoples. Unfortunately, people of this ancestry are being victims of prejudice and acts of violence. The virus has spread around the world and anyone can be infected; therefore, treat everyone politely.
Step 8. Disinfect surfaces that you are going to touch in public and at home
Health agencies recommend that people maintain all their living spaces - home, work, public areas, etc. - cleaned as much as possible. Whenever possible, spray a disinfectant and wipe the places you touch.
- For example: apply a spray disinfectant or wipes moistened with alcohol on counters, handrails and doorknobs.
- A good disinfectant solution works even on soft surfaces.
- Do not use vinegar or other "natural" disinfectants. There is no evidence that vinegar is effective against coronaviruses. "Natural" disinfectants can have many different ingredients and are generally not effective at fighting viruses.
Step 9. Wear cloth masks whenever you leave the house
They filter out the particles that you breathe in and out and decrease your chances of spreading the virus to others. Covering your nose and mouth is very important when it is difficult or impossible to maintain physical distance. Always wash your masks after using them.
Leave specialized medical masks (such as the N95) to healthcare professionals as there are a limited number of them available.}
Tip:
Never buy masks that look more expensive than usual. Try to buy them in physical stores, not on the Internet.
Method 2 of 4: Preparing Your Home for Emergencies
Step 1. Buy food for two to four weeks and store it in the pantry or refrigerator
You will have to stay at home if you contract the coronavirus or there is an outbreak in your area. Under these circumstances, it will be impossible to go to the market or order food. Go ahead and buy enough non-perishable food for a period of two to four weeks and store it in the pantry and refrigerator.
- Buy lots of canned food, such as tuna, sardines and other products that have a longer shelf life.
- Buy foods that have already been frozen, but also freeze meat, bread and other perishables.
- Also buy powdered milk for this period.
- You don't need to give up a healthy diet during quarantine! Fresh food can be frozen for future meals. Also, you can choose frozen or canned vegetables without too many additives and preservatives. Don't forget to fill your pantry with grains and other less perishable health food options.
Did you know?
WHO and health agency recommendations in the event of a coronavirus outbreak are for people to stay at home and avoid contact with each other. This helps to prevent the disease from spreading and getting worse.
Step 2. Buy extra packs of essentials like toilet paper, soap and detergent
You may have to isolate yourself for several weeks if someone in your household becomes ill or there is an outbreak of coronavirus in the area. If this happens, buy frequently used household items for the equivalent of a month. See some important examples:
- Scarves.
- Dishwashing detergent.
- Soap for hands and body.
- Paper towel.
- Toilet paper.
- Laundry detergent.
- Cleaning products.
- Internal and external absorbents.
- Toiletries.
- Diapers.
- Products for pets.
Tip:
buy lots of tissues and use them when you cough, blow your nose or sneeze - even if you're not sick.
Step 3. Buy over-the-counter medications to treat respiratory infections
Although there is no treatment for coronavirus per se, it is possible to treat the common symptoms of respiratory infection. Buy decongestants, acetaminophen, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as inflammation or naproxen. Also, invest in lozenges and other cough remedies.
If you live with a lot of people, buy enough medicine boxes for more than one patient. Ask the doctor how much he recommends in terms of quantity
Step 4. Stock up on medications for at least 30 days
If you already take any medications every day, ask your doctor to give you a prescription for more time while coronavirus is a threat. It may be impossible to restock for now, so it's best to be safe for a month.
- You may have to go to the pharmacy once a week or every 15 days and restock according to the prescription.
- Discuss your options and recommendations with your doctor and pharmacist.
Method 3 of 4: Thinking Strategies for School and Work
Step 1. Plan what to do with your young children if the school or daycare is not open
Schools and day care centers are sure to close or reduce their hours if the coronavirus spreads in your community. This ends up affecting working mothers and fathers, as they now have to take care of their children full time. Think about options beforehand so nothing gets out of hand.
- For example, ask a close relative to look after your child when he or she would be at daycare or school, or ask your boss if you can take time off or do home office work for a few days.
- Your kids can watch more TV than usual and use the computer more too. Establish a routine for them and show them good shows and movies.
Step 2. Ask your boss if you can work from home
You don't have to worry so much, but it may be impossible to go to work if there is an outbreak of coronavirus in your community - after all, many businesses and other organizations will go out of business. Prepare in advance and ask your superior if there is a possibility of working remotely on these occasions. Discuss roles, schedules, and so on.
- You can say "I see that the Ministry of Health is going to recommend that people stay at home if the coronavirus is spread here. Can we discuss the hypothesis of me doing home office if that happens?"
- Not everyone has the option to work remotely, but it doesn't hurt to try and see if it's a possibility for your role.
Step 3. Think about financial alternatives in case you are unable to work
It is normal to be concerned about the financial issue in times of crisis. Therefore, you just need to prepare and devise a strategic plan to keep yourself going until the coronavirus outbreak is resolved. Use your savings, save money where possible and, ultimately, turn to non-profit organizations that provide this kind of assistance to those in need.
- You can also enlist the help of close relatives and friends.
- Again, try not to worry. Everyone will be in the same boat, and things fall into place in the end.
Method 4 of 4: Learning to Always Stay Informed and Calm
Step 1. Read news about coronavirus only once a day
The WHO and other health agencies, such as the Ministry of Health in Brazil, release news about the coronavirus daily. While it's important to stay informed, be careful not to panic. Only read this news once a day.
- Access this WHO page for constant coronavirus updates. It is in English, but the content is very intuitive.
- Keep calm and remember that you probably don't need to worry about the virus.
Tip:
because people are scared, misinformation is spreading on the internet faster than the coronavirus itself. Only seek information from reliable sources and check everything you read on the net by visiting the Ministry of Health and WHO website.
Step 2. Make a family plan in case there is a coronavirus outbreak
You have the right to care for your family! The same goes for your children, who may even be asking for details about the virus. Get ready and have a meeting with everyone at home so that the situation doesn't get out of hand. Think about the following:
- Make it clear that you are not going to run out of food or supplies.
- Tell your kids that you will take care of them.
- Share some activity ideas in case you have to stay at home.
- Pass a list of emergency contacts to each family member.
- Designate a room in the house for anyone who gets sick.
Step 3. Start taking better care of your immune system
Since you can't cure coronavirus with drugs, having a strong immune system makes all the difference. Luckily, just lead a healthier life. See a doctor and ask what you can do on a daily basis, such as:
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables with every meal.
- Do at least five 30-minute exercise sessions per week.
- Take a multivitamin if your doctor authorizes it.
- Sleep for seven to nine hours a night.
- Relieve stress.
- Do not smoke.
- Get the flu shot.
Step 4. See a doctor if you think you are experiencing symptoms
You certainly won't get the coronavirus, but it's still important to take the symptoms seriously. Go to the emergency room immediately if you experience symptoms such as fever, cough and difficulty breathing. In the meantime, rest at home (so as not to spread germs) until you have been tested and received an official diagnosis.
- If possible, notify emergency room personnel before you go if you suspect you have the coronavirus. They will need to prepare beforehand and protect other patients, in addition to making other adaptations and recommendations.
- You may even be allowed to work at home if you do have the coronavirus. The doctor will only ask for your immediate hospitalization if there is a risk of complications.
Step 5. Pay attention to warnings from authorities before traveling, but try not to worry
You also don't have to worry as much if you are traveling, as most areas are not affected by the coronavirus. Still, it doesn't hurt to keep an eye on the recommendations of the Ministry of Health and the WHO.
- People in risk groups need to avoid travel. All non-essential travel should be postponed by older people, people with health problems or immunodeficiencies.
- Cancel the trip and see if you are entitled to a refund if the situation becomes tense.
Tips
- the distance is physicist, not social. Keep in touch with your friends and family through virtual platforms like FaceTime, Zoom and WhatsApp.
- Again, try not to worry. The possibility of a pandemic is frightening, but things are probably not going to get out of hand like that.
- Remember to treat everyone politely. Do not assume that anyone has the coronavirus because they are Asian. The virus has spread to at least 67 countries with diverse populations. On the other hand, don't assume that everyone who coughs is sick.
Notices
- Never deliberately cough on other people or violate disease control protocols. Such behavior helps spread COVID-19 and can even land you in prison.
- If you are over 65 or have comorbidities, isolate yourself as best you can.
- Only leave the house to go to the emergency room if you think you are sick. Coronaviruses are contagious, and at these times it's best to protect others.