Whole city lockdowns, surgical face mask shortages, multi-nation travel bans, and a general sense of panic – we entered the second month of 2020 with major health safety concerns. So many alarming information about this epidemic continuously circulates the internet. Before giving in to the panic and buying a box of face masks, understand what this threat really is about and listen to what experts say is the right solution.
What is coronavirus?
It is a type of virus found in animals. Humans contract this virus through meat consumption. This doesn’t necessarily involve eating exotic meat; people can contract it from a “middleman” of sorts in the form of commonly consumed livestock.
How the Covid-19 is Transmitted
Like regular flu-like viruses, this new one spreads via droplets. When someone coughs or sneezes, droplets of snot or saliva is released into the air. These then land on surfaces or an unwitting conversation partner or passerby.
In relation to the common flu
The novel coronavirus or 2019-nCov, which is recently officially named Covid-19, is a member of this virus family. The common flu is from the same family.
If these two are “relatives,” then why is there such a commotion surrounding the Covid-19? Isn’t it true that more people actually die of the common flu (around 200-600 thousand) than this new virus, which so far only killed a little over 2,000?
While these numbers are all the world has right now, there are so many factors not considered. Right now, authorities are only counting severe cases of infection. This means the death rate could be lower than what is held true now, or the infection rate could be different. The experts are still working on the statistics.
What is the Best Way to Fight the Coronavirus?
These descriptions might sound frightening, but you don’t have to seclude yourself in a bubble for the rest of the year. If you are healthy with no serious underlying diseases, medical specialists recommend doing these things to prevent infection:
Strengthen Your Immune System
This is your shield against all illnesses. If your immune system is tip-top, you’re less likely to succumb to viruses. Here are things you can do to boost your immune system:
Exercise
Doing exercises that elevate your heart rate regularly builds up your immune system. It lowers the rate of stress hormone release and flushes out bacteria from your airways and lungs. The increase in blood circulation lets your white blood cells detect threats faster. Higher body temperature also prevents bacteria from thriving.
Get enough sleep and sleep at the right time
When you’re asleep, your brain releases cytokines – a protein that promotes quality sleep. Certain types of this protein are produced when you’re sick. If you don’t get enough sleep, your brain doesn’t produce enough of this kind, leaving you with less ammo against illnesses.
Your body also produces fewer antibodies that fight infection when you lack sleep, making you more susceptible to viruses.
Include immuno-boosting food in your diet
Fermented food is especially good for boosting your immune system. Dishes like kimchi and sauerkraut are great as a side dish for your main meals. They’re densely packed with nutrients. They also contain probiotics, which is known to protect against the common cold, improve heart health, and fight certain kinds of cancer.
Do a detox cleanse
Living a modern lifestyle involves being in contact with pollution and unwanted chemicals. Without us knowing, our cells become packed with harmful toxins that inhibit our bodies from healing properly. Going on a detox cleanse will help your body boot out these baddies.
Our 21 Day full body cleanse does a good job of flushing out toxins from your cells. It includes 30 days’ worth of professional supplements, complemented by easy-to-follow exercise videos. You’ll also get healthy recipes, fitness e-books, and access to expert support 7 days a week!
This program will help you get the exercise you need to strengthen your immune system. It will also steer you into a healthier eating habit.
Develop Good Hygiene Habits
Experts say that even more important than wearing protective masks is maintaining proper hygiene.
Practice proper handwashing
People touch everything. Whether outside or at home, your hands would have had contact with bacteria-infested surfaces. Don’t take this for granted.
Putting your fingertips for 3 seconds under running water will not wash away any germs, let alone a coronavirus. You need to thoroughly scrub them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to get rid of the bacteria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a very clear handwashing guide.
While soap and running water are the best, using an alcohol-based sanitizer will do in a pinch.
Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
The new coronavirus can enter your system through your eyes, nose, and mouth. People tend to touch these parts unconsciously and often. So be more conscious of what you touch, especially if you’ve been out and touched public things like stair banisters, doorknobs, elevator buttons, etc.
Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
Should you cough or sneeze, do this into the crook of your arm. Don’t sneeze into your hands because you can easily spread germs this way by touching surfaces. If you cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, throw this into a covered bin. Always sanitize or wash your hands right away afterward.
Don’t lie on your bed with your outside clothes
You don’t know what’s been on bus or subway seats, on park benches, or even your own office chair. It’s very easy for the clothes you wear outside to get in contact with bacteria or virus-infested surfaces. So make sure to change before lying on your bed. Banning outside shoes from your bedroom is also a good idea.
New Coronavirus: the Bottomline
Whether it’s against the new coronavirus or the common flu, it’s always good to be cautious when it comes to our health. But letting panic disrupt your everyday life is not the way to go. It will only create more stress for you, which could negatively impact your health. Keeping a level head, practicing good hygiene, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a good defense in this season.