In the face of increasingly widespread fears of a COVID-19 pandemic, what concrete steps can a person take right now to prevent the infection? Read our practical guide based on official sources.
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To date, public health officials have reported tens of thousands of cases of COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.
This situation has caused many people around the world to feel anxious about becoming infected, and social media outlets and public forums abound with questions about how to keep COVID-19 at bay.
This Special Feature is a practical guide that describes the best ways to avoid a respiratory infection at home, at work, at school, and while traveling.
The recommendations that we outline are based on those of official sources, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC), and the American Red Cross, as well as our correspondence with a WHO spokesperson.
How to stay safe where you live
“Based on the information received so far, and on our experience with other coronaviruses, COVID-19 appears to spread mostly through respiratory droplets (when a sick person coughs, for example) and close contact,” a WHO spokesperson told Medical News Today.
In light of that information, the spokesperson said, the WHO recommend preventive actions to minimize exposure to droplets.
During day-to-day activities, people can take the following measures to prevent infection, in accordance with WHO guidelines:
The American Red Cross also advise against touching the mouth, nose, or eyes when out and about, before having a chance to wash the hands.
Also, the CDC recommend getting the flu shot to prevent other seasonal respiratory infections.
How to stay safe at work and school
Work and school environments may seem particularly daunting in the context of an outbreak, but some simple measures can help prevent infection in the office or classroom.
They are largely the same as those outlined above. According to WHO recommendations, the following are the most important preventive steps:
In recent telebriefings, CDC officials advised anyone who is concerned about the potential impact of COVID-19 to get in touch with employers and schools to find out exactly what response measures they have in place.
How to stay safe while traveling
For people who are planning to travel, all of the same basic hygiene recommendations apply. The WHO advise:
- cleaning hands on a regular basis
- keeping at least 1 meter’s distance from people who are coughing or sneezing
- following COVID-19-specific travel advisories from local authorities
The CDC provide extensive, frequently updated information.
What if you have flu-like symptoms?
What happens if you start experiencing flu-like symptoms despite your best attempts to stay healthy?
The WHO spokesperson who responded to MNT queries offered the following advice:
The WHO spokesperson also gave us some travel-related advice for people who have flu-like symptoms and are either contemplating travel or have just returned from a trip.
They explained that:
- Anyone with a fever or cough should avoid traveling.
- Anyone who develops symptoms on a flight should inform the crew immediately and, once home, contact a health professional and tell them about the locations visited.
Be prepared, but do not panic buy
What if you develop COVID-19, or a healthcare professional suspects that you have it, and you need to stay home for a prolonged period? How should you prepare? Some public health experts have offered advice.
“If you or a friend or family member takes any prescription medication, make sure you have a good supply, e.g., at least 4 weeks’ worth,” says Prof. Peter Openshaw, from Imperial College London, in the United Kingdom.
As for food and other necessities, “Don’t panic buy,” he advises, “but do buy a few extra provisions when you normally go shopping. Don’t forget about pets.”
Additional public health resources
Here are some other official resources that can help you stay in good health:
- an online course on “nonpharmaceutical countermeasures in relation to COVID-19” from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
- a CDC guide on “when and how to wash your hands”
- CDC guidelines on preventing the spread of COVID-19 in communities
- CDC guidelines on what to do if you have COVID-19
- the WHO Information Network for Epidemics
- the Red Cross COVID-19 info hub
“[It is] normal and understandable to feel anxious, especially if you live in a county or community that has been affected,” the WHO spokesperson told MNT. Addressing our readers, they added:
“Find out what you can do in your community and discuss how to stay safe with your workplace, school, or place of worship.”
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