BusinessHABCoronavirus Outbreak Preventive Measures: Some people claim that using warm air hand dryers can kill the coronavirus.
But this is not true. It’s okay to use a warm air dryer after washing your hands.
But be aware that the dryer itself won’t protect you from any viruses.
With the news filled with frightening stories about the new coronavirus, COVID-19, it’s easy to feel anxious.
While it’s natural to have some anxiety about any major disease outbreak.
Worrying too much can be counterproductive.
Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following:
Read on:Business Macroeconomics vs. Microeconomics in Nigeria
1. Coronavirus Outbreak Preventive Measures
Fortunately, there are things you can do to put your fears at ease.
Stick to getting your information from trustworthy sources.
Such as the World Health Organization or the CDC.
You can also take reasonable precautions to keep yourself from getting sick.
Like washing your hands regularly.
If nothing is helping you feel better.
It may be time to reach out to your doctor or a therapist.
2. Coronavirus Outbreak Preventive Measures
Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak.
Available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority.
COVID-19 is still affecting mostly people in China with some outbreaks in other countries.
Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover.
But it can be more severe for others.
Coronavirus Outbreak Preventive Measures
3. Get your information from trustworthy sources, such as the CDC.
Stories in the news and on social media often overinflate the risk associated with illnesses like coronavirus.
The information they provide is often inaccurate or outdated, too.
To ensure that you’re getting accurate and reasonable information.
Stick to sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.
- The World Health Organization maintains up-to-date information about the current COVID-19 outbreak here: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
- You can find information from the CDC here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
See also: 10 Steps To Business Procurement Cycle in Nigeria
4. Look at the statistics to get some perspective.
When you hear scary stories about the coronavirus in the news every day.
It’s easy to get a distorted sense of how dangerous it really is.
Keep in mind that out of the more than 82,000 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus so far.
Only 3.4% of infected people have died of complications related to the illness.
The coronavirus is not fatal for most people who are otherwise healthy.
- For comparison, the flu infects as many as 45 million people and causes up to 61,000 deaths in the U.S. alone each year.
- Most people who get the coronavirus develop flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, and body aches. Coronavirus infections are rare in children, and the symptoms are usually much milder in kids than in adults.
Coronavirus Outbreak Preventive Measures
5. Avoid consuming too many media stories about the virus.
Even news from reputable sources can start to feel overwhelming if you look at it too much.
If you’re feeling a lot of anxiety about the coronavirus, try taking a break from reading.
Watching, or listening to stories about it.
Set a limit for yourself on how much time you spend looking at news about the outbreak.
- For example, you might limit yourself to checking the World Health Organization website for updates once a week.
- Or spending no more than 15 minutes listening to the news in the morning.
6. Share helpful information with friends and family.
You can help yourself and others feel calmer about the coronavirus outbreak.
By sharing any helpful information you find.
If you see a useful update on the coronavirus from a reputable news source or government website.
Post a link on social media or email it to any friends or family members who are worried about the virus.
- If you stay calm and stick to sharing factual information.
- You can set a good example for others and help prevent panic and anxiety from spreading.
- If you know anyone who is spreading inaccurate information, correct them in a calm, non-judgmental way. Say something like, “I know a lot of people are saying it’s not safe to handle packages from China, but the WHO says the virus dies quickly on objects like mail pieces.”
- Provide links to back up any information you share.
Read also:Business Communism/Socialism in Nigeria
Coronavirus Outbreak Preventive Measures
7. Share your feelings with sympathetic loved ones.
If you still feel worried about the coronavirus despite taking precautions.
You may find it helpful to talk through your worries.
Reach out to a friend or family member and talk to them about how you’re feeling.
You might find that you both feel better after having a conversation about it!
- Avoid talking to anyone who is panicking about the virus or spreading inaccurate.
- Sensationalized information. Talk to someone calm who can help you work through your concerns in a realistic, level-headed way.
- Say something like, “Dad, I just can’t stop worrying about this coronavirus thing.
- Do you have time to chat about it?”
8. Do stress-relieving activities to help yourself relax.
Stress-reducing exercises and activities.
Can help you feel calmer and more in control of your feelings.
When you’re worried about something.
They can also help take your mind off your fears.
When you start to feel anxious about the coronavirus.
Try doing something that helps you feel calm and peaceful, such as:
- Meditating
- Doing yoga
- Going for a walk or jog
- Spending time with friends and family
- Reading a book or watching a fun TV show
- Working on a hobby or creative project
Coronavirus Outbreak Preventive Measures
9. Write your feelings down to help them feel more manageable.
Putting your worries into words can help you understand them better.
And make them feel less overwhelming.
Jot down your thoughts about the coronavirus in a journal, notebook, or computer document.
Don’t judge your thoughts and feelings—just write them down.
- For example, you might write down something like, “I keep thinking about that news story I read about the coronavirus this morning, and I feel scared. I’m afraid it might spread to my town.”
See also: How to Start Tailoring Business in Nigeria
10. Imagine the worst-case scenario to help define your fears.
It may seem counterintuitive, but anxiety experts say that imagining your worst fears can help them feel more manageable.
Write down the worst coronavirus-related scenario you can think of.
Or say it out loud and record it on your phone.
Read it or play it back to yourself.
You’ll soon start to realize that this scenario is less likely than you may have thought (and therefore less scary).
- For example, you might say something like, “I’m scared that someone with coronavirus will come to my school and infect everyone, and we’ll all end up severely ill.”
Coronavirus Outbreak Preventive Measures
11. Talk to a counselor if your anxiety is disrupting your daily life.
If you just can’t let go of your anxiety about the coronavirus, a counselor or therapist can help.
They can teach you coping strategies to deal with your fears in a healthy way.
Or even prescribe medications to reduce your overall anxiety.
Reach out to a counselor or ask your doctor to recommend someone.
You may need additional help if:
- Your worries are starting to interfere with your ability to work, sleep, or interact with others
- You have intrusive or obsessive thoughts about the coronavirus
- You have fears about symptoms you’re experiencing that don’t get better even if a doctor reassures you that you don’t have coronavirus.
Coronavirus Outbreak Preventive Measures
12. Wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water.
One of the best ways to protect yourself from any contagious disease is to wash your hands.
Wash your hands any time you go to the bathroom, handle objects in public places.
Or are getting ready to eat or prepare food.
Use warm water and a gentle hand soap and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
Make sure to wash your palms, the backs of your hands, and between your fingers.
- When you’re done washing, dry your hands on a clean, dry towel or paper towel.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you can’t get to soap and water.
- Carry some with you in your bag or pocket.
Read also: How Profitable is Recharge Card Printing Business in Nigeria
Coronavirus Outbreak Preventive Measures
13. Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Many viruses, including the COVID-19 virus.
Enter your body through the mucus membranes in your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Avoid touching your face except when you’re washing it.
Or applying skincare products, and always wash your hands with soap and water first.
- If you need to touch your face and don’t have access to soap and water.
- Rub your hands with some alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Coronavirus Outbreak Preventive Measures
14. Wash your hands frequently
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub.
Or wash them with soap and water.
Why? Washing your hands with soap and water.
Or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
Read on:How to Invest in Transportation Business in Nigeria
15. Maintain social distancing
Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus.
If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
Coronavirus Outbreak Preventive Measures
16. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses.
Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth.
From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
Read on: How to Invest in Property in Nigeria
17. Practice respiratory hygiene
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene.
This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
18. If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing.
Seek medical attention and call in advance.
Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area.
Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility.
This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
Coronavirus Outbreak Preventive Measures
19. Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider
Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19.
Follow advice given by your healthcare provider.
Your national and local public health authority.
Or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area.
They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.
See also: How to Start Trucking and Haulage Business in Nigeria
20. Stay away from people who are obviously sick.
If someone around you is coughing, sneezing, or seems severely congested, keep your distance.
Try to stay at least 3 feet (0.91 m) away from them at all times.
This will reduce your chances of inhaling droplets contaminated with a virus if they cough or sneeze near you.
- Unless you’re in an area where there are a lot of active coronavirus cases, such as mainland China or South Korea, people around you with these symptoms are more likely to have a cold or the flu than the COVID-19 virus. However, it’s always a good idea to keep your distance from sick people.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly after interacting with a sick person.
Coronavirus Outbreak Preventive Measures
21. Get plenty of sleep and eat well to keep your immune system strong.
Taking care of your overall health can reduce your chances of getting sick.
Support your immune system by eating balanced, nutritious meals with plenty of fruits.
Vegetables, whole grains, and healthy sources of fat (such as fish, vegetable oils, and nuts and seeds).
Make sure to get 7-9 hours of sleep if you’re an adult, or 8-10 if you’re a teen.
- Staying physically active can also boost your immune system.
- Try to spend at least 30 minutes a day getting moderate physical activity.
- Such as walking or doing yard work.
Read on: Top 25 Nursing Business Ideas & Opportunities in Nigeria
Coronavirus Outbreak Preventive Measures
22. Avoid traveling in affected areas.
The CDC currently recommends that you avoid any non-essential travel to areas where the COVID-19 virus is most active.
Don’t visit China or South Korea unless you absolutely have to.
Older adults and people with chronic illnesses should also avoid visiting Iran, Italy, and Japan.
- You can keep track of current coronavirus-related travel advisories here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.
- If you must travel in an affected area, avoid contact with sick people and wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer that’s 60%-95% alcohol.
23. Call your doctor right away if you develop flu-like symptoms.
If you develop symptoms such as a cough, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or body aches, call your doctor.
Let them know what kinds of symptoms you’re having and ask them what to do.
They may advise you to come in for testing and treatment.
Read on: Top Ten Businesses You Can Start With Small Capital
24. Coronavirus Outbreak Preventive Measures
If you experience these symptoms, don’t panic. Unless you live in an area where the coronavirus is widespread, you probably don’t have a coronavirus infection. Your healthcare provider will have up-to-date information on the coronavirus and can give you the best possible advice.
- Let your doctor know if you’ve recently traveled or if you’ve been in contact with anyone who might have been exposed to the coronavirus.
- If you feel sick, protect others by staying home as much as possible, washing your hands frequently, and covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or the crook of your arm when you cough or sneeze.
25. Coronavirus Outbreak Preventive Measures
Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover.
Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.
26. Coronavirus Outbreak Preventive Measures
If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers.
Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.
BusinessHAB