Reducing your risk of Corona virus
As we all know how this new deadly virus called Corona has been conquering the whole world. It has caused a worldwide alert with victims increasing day by day! Today, everyone is at stake. Moreover, people with low immunity or those who are suffering from some medical issues are more prone to it. We at Gastro Doctors understand how frightening this must be. So, we are doing our best to educate everyone about protection against Corona and steps to follow. Remember, in this unfortunate time, your precautions are your biggest weapon.
Coronavirus is spread from person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can also get this virus by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face. It enters your body through your mucus membranes. So always remember to not touch your face before washing your hands properly. It is very important to take protection against Corona or it might bring some undesired consequences.
As it Covid-19 is a matter of growing concern especially for people suffering from any medical ailments like GI conditions, asthma or any other medical issues, it might put their immunity in danger. This category must follow all the measures for protection against Corona. We understand that concerns about self-safety are growing every day, which is a good thing. We have some mandatory steps that you can follow for your protection. However, no practice promises that you won’t catch the virus. The reality is- there is no 100% way to avoid catching this virus but we can all practice some basic defense measures to reduce our risk of catching nasty seasonal bugs and germs. A good practice of protection against Corona might save a lot of lives.
Hand washing
Washing your hands carefully could reduce the spread of many coughs and colds we experience. This is not just a practice of Corona, but washing your hands timely is a good practice in general. For instance, before eating always ensure you thoroughly wash your hands first, you wouldn’t want the bacteria to enter your mouth and result in some illness.
There are several guides online to show effective ways of removing germs and bacteria. It is recommended that thorough and regular hand washing (for at least 20 seconds) with soap and warm water will kill most bacteria’s and viruses and is the best defense. Sometimes travelling is unavoidable, especially when it comes to work or health checkups. Coming in touch with the exposed surfaces during travelling such as on London Underground or over ground trains or even buses, we would recommend washing your hands once you get to your home. However, you must use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer throughout your day.
Anti-Bacterial gel
There are occasions when there is not an opportunity to wash your hands as we mentioned before- during travels. In these cases, carrying some antibacterial gel is a good solution until you can reach somewhere to properly wash your hands. Be mindful this is less effective than simply washing your hands and the alcohol content should be 60% to be effective at killing nasty bacteria. Note that continuous use of an anti-bacterial alcohol based sanitizer might make your hands dry. To avoid dryness, carrying a hand cream is recommended.
Keep a distance during Covid
This isn’t usually a problem for most Londoners but maintaining your personal space will reduce your risk of picking up a bug or virus. Ideally keep at least 3 feet between yourself and any other person who seems unwell. This is because fluids from coughing and sneezing may contain the infection. This will not always be possible but can be an extra preventative measure. If you have been in close proximity with someone who looked unwell, don’t panic. It is far more likely they have a cold than Coronavirus. Avoid rubbing or touching eyes, nose and mouth. Your hands contact numerous surfaces and infections can survive for a few hours. If you have touched a contaminated surface touching your eyes, nose or mouth, makes it easy for a virus or infection to enter your body.
Avoid rubbing or touching eyes, nose and mouth
Your hands contact numerous surfaces and infections can survive for a few hours. If you have touched a contaminated surface touching your eyes, nose or mouth, it makes it easy for a virus or infection to enter your body. As a measure of protection against Corona some people tend to wear gloves in order to reduce the Covid risk. But the question is, are the gloves actually reducing the risk?
Disposable Gloves
Wearing disposable gloves isn’t the best option for your defence. However, it can be included in the practice only if the person wearing it correctly uses the gloves. Note that the virus adheres quickly to surfaces such as latex, so it is highly recommended to use gloves only when you can use them properly.
Potentially, the gloves keep your hands from touching the exposed surfaces. The main motive is that one shouldn’t be touching their face with their hands full of germs. A lot of times, people wearing gloves unconsciously touches their face, making them more prone to getting the virus.
The second mistake people do is not following the proper process to remove the gloves. For instance, if you remove your right hand glove with your left hand. Now, at this point, your right hand is virus free. The next question arises; how do you remove your left hand glove? If you by accident remove it with your virus free hand, you have destroyed the purpose of wearing the gloves because your right hand is no more virus free and has been contaminated. So the key is to try to peel the glove from the inside out so that you don’t have to touch it with your bare virus free hand. This requires some skills and hence, it is advisable to only use gloves if you can properly take them out. The most important thing is to dispose of your gloves immediately after use.
Respiratory cleanliness for Corona
Germs can be contained with some simple tips and tricks. You must have heard of the phrase that the whole nation is following- catch it, bin it, kill it!. When you sneeze, always catch it with a tissue or your elbow and bin the tissue immediately. Then as soon as possible wash your hands. Minimizing droplets in the air minimizes the risk of passing germs on. If you have a lowered immune system or are in an at-risk group, try not to be overly anxious.
Following all these Covid Safety measures might help to reduce the risk of getting the virus. Remember to be consistent in these practices.
If you have a lowered immune system or are in an at risk group, try not to be overly anxious. At present the chances of catching this virus are still low and the UK has measures in place for containing a pandemic. If you feel at all unwell and have been in close contact with someone with Coronavirus remember to call 111 and ask for advice.
