5 Tips To Stay Safe During This Coronavirus Lockdown

Even as the world struggles to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the unprecedented visitation of the novel virus has left our entire nation in the state of a lockdown, much for our own good. While citizens all over the country do their best to abide by the 3-week long lockdown, here are a few simple but effective precautionary steps one can take to maximise chances against the virus.

1. Sanitisation

Regular hand sanitisation is without a doubt the most important thing you can do to minimise your risk of coronavirus disease. And not just a quick rinse - wash your hands with soap for at least 20 to 30 seconds at any chance you get - even when you're at home. The alternative to soap and water is the use of a hand sanitiser gel with at least 60% alcohol content on your hands and wrists. Moreover, ensure to thoroughly clean or sanitise grocery packs as soon as you get them home as the coronavirus may live on the surface of those items for hours after lodging there.

(Also read: #HighRiskCovid19: Missing The Gym? Here's How To Workout At Home)

2. Do Not Touch Your Face with Unwashed Hands

If you have been in a public place, don't touch your face until you clean your hands thoroughly. The coronavirus finds entry into the human body through the mouth, nose, and eyes therefore keeping your hands away from them is highly advisable.

3. Maintain Social Distance

Keep a distance of at least 1 meter from others. If you are too close, you can be infected by breathing in infected airborne respiratory (cough or sneeze) droplets from others. Make sure you also wear a mask and not necessarily the n95 masks, given that any mask should do the job, when stepping out. People above the age of 65 or suffering from pre-existing medical conditions of diabetes, cardio vascular disease and respiratory disease should best avoid stepping out even for emergency purposes as contact with the virus may lead to serious illness. In particular, social distancing and other precautionary steps are crucial for senior citizens.

4. Build Immunity Through Spices And Other Foods

It is important to have a balanced diet with green leafy vegetables and pulses during the lockdown. Further, Indian spices, among other immunity-enhancing foods, are believed to improve immunity levels in the body in the long run. Turmeric, rich in anti-inflammatory properties, has an active compound called curcumin, which is known to have multiple benefits. Add turmeric and a pinch of black pepper to your milk to prepare a delicious glass of haldi doodh. It's an age-old, tried and tested formula known to help boost the immune system. Vitamin C and D play a very important role in boosting the immunity, so try to include more green vegetables and fruits in your diet.

(Also read: Are You Washing Your Hands The Correct Way? Hygiene Tips From WHO)

Ensure that you and the people around you are following good respiratory hygiene. This means that when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue. Then dispose the used tissue immediately. This becomes of utmost importance if you have elderly citizens or young children at home as they are most susceptible to COVID-19 from observations.

With these few steps in place you should be able to maximise your safety this season and remember to get tested as soon as you notice the slightest manifestation of COVID-19 symptoms. Stay safe and healthy!

About the author: Dr. Nikhil Modi is Pulmonologist and Respiratory Specialist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi. He has been previously associated with premier institutes like Maulana Azad Medical college and V.P. Chest institute New Delhi. He has a vast experience in dealing with all types of respiratory ailments including sleep disorders, with extensive exposure of fibreoptic bronchoscopy and other chest related procedure.

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