With coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading around the globe and grabbing international headlines, it’s natural to be worried about your risk of contracting this illness. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of contracting this serious flu-like condition.
The COVID-19 virus originated in Wuhan, China, and has since gone global. While there have been many reported cases of the illness, testing for it has been sparse and experts don’t really know how many people have contracted the illness. What we do know are some ways to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19.
Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands is the No. 1 recommended way to reduce your risk of contracting coronavirus. After all, your hands touch many surfaces during the day – surfaces that may have dangerous germs on them. Those germs can then be transmitted to your mouth and eyes as you touch your face.
Stay Home Sick
If you have a cold, fever or other symptoms, please stay home and self-quarantine. Though you may not have COVID-19, a weak immune system will leave you more susceptible to other illnesses. Furthermore, if you are sick and need to cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose by using the crook of your elbow – NOT your hands.
Stand Back
If you see someone coughing or sneezing or even sniffling, try to maintain at least 3 feet of distance between yourself and them to prevent the transmission of germs.
Skip the Mask
They may seem like a good idea, but those disposable cotton masks won’t prevent you from getting coronavirus. That’s because they’re not airtight and they won’t protect your eyes. There are heavier-duty masks that may help stop the spread, but hoarding these masks is a bad idea, especially when they become unavailable to health care professionals who come into contact with COVID-19 patients.
Don’t Panic
It’s natural to be scared during outbreaks like the coronavirus, but panicking is not the answer. Remember to follow these steps and you can greatly reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Abelar, please contact the office at 858-523-1400.
