Avoiding the Coronavirus: What You Can do To Stay Safe

Avoiding the Coronavirus: What You Can do To Stay Safe

(SurvivalDaily.com) – The coronavirus, now declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO), is spreading across the globe at the speed of a wildfire. The disease has made its way to every continent in the world (except Antarctica), claiming lives from China to America. So, what can you do to protect yourself and your family from the threat of this virus?

Stay Away From The Sick

This seems like common sense, but it needs stating: stay away from anyone who is sick. If you do have to be around people who may have the illness, avoid contact with them.

The incubation period for the novel coronavirus is anywhere from 2 to 14 days. This means someone who is infected may not show signs of the illness for up to 2 weeks, thus, you may not know you are around someone who is sick. Because of this, avoiding large gatherings of people such as sporting events or concerts is a good idea.

If you are sick, stay home. Having your immune system compromised makes you more likely to catch the coronavirus.

Know the Signs

Unfortunately, in many cases, the symptoms of the coronavirus are similar to a common cold or the flu. Coughing, shortness of breath, and a fever are common symptoms of the disease. Other symptoms include stomach problems and diarrhea.

Preventative Measures

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has provided a list of actions you can take to avoid catching the virus.

  • Do not touch your eyes or mouth if you can help it.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating or after using the restroom. Also, wash them after you blow your nose or sneeze.
  • Clean surfaces that you touch frequently with a disinfectant, such as door handles, counters, etc.

Facemasks

According to the CDC, facemasks should only be worn by those infected with the virus (to avoid the spread of the disease) or anyone caring for an infected person. This hasn’t stopped people from stocking up on them though, with some stores even posting signs that they do not have them in stock.

The U.S. Surgeon General has even gone to Twitter asking people to stop buying them, stating: “They are NOT effective in preventing general public from catching #Coronavirus, but if healthcare providers can’t get them to care for sick patients, it puts them and our communities at risk!”

Scientists in Hong Kong have taken a different approach to face masks. Rather than urging the public not to use them, they published a tutorial video on how to make them at home. This comes in response to a shortage of masks and thieves stealing them in the city.

As the coronavirus continues to spread, it falls on our shoulders to protect ourselves and those we love. No matter how effective, or ineffective, face masks actually are with preventing the spread of coronavirus, we can still make use of the other preventative measures listed above.

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