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COVID-19: How can you protect yourself and your loved ones?

by | Jan 31, 2020 | Beauty and Wellness

With so many news and images circulating around, there is a huge concern within Singaporeans regarding about the latest COVID-19 virus. We will need to step up our precautions and prevention on this viral attack.

Wuhan Virus, 2019-nCov, Novel Coronavirus


What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

World Health Organization (WHO) was alerted to several cases of pneumonia in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China at the very last day of 2019. The virus did not match any other known virus. This raised concern because when a virus is new, we do not know how it affects people.

One week later, on 7 January, Chinese authorities confirmed that they had identified a new virus. The new virus is a coronavirus, which is a family of viruses that include the common cold, and viruses such as SARS and MERS. The new virus is called COVID-19.

WHO has been working with Chinese authorities and global experts from the day we were informed, to learn more about the virus, how it affects the people who are sick with it, how they can be treated, and what countries can do to respond.

How can step up our precaution?

Because this is a coronavirus, which usually causes respiratory illness, it is important to keep hygiene as the top priority.

We have gather some prevention measures on how we to help yourself and your loved ones this season. Not just externally but internally natural help as well.

Main objective is to reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses, which include hand and respiratory hygiene, and safe food practices:

  • Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water;
  • When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw tissue away immediately and wash hands;
  • Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough;
  • If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider;
  • When visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of novel coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals;
  • The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.
  • Wear a mask if you have respiratory symptoms such as a cough or runny nose.
We have attached a guide on wearing masks for people that are unsure how to wear it the correct way.
*People who are sick should wear a mask, whereas people who are well do not need to wear a mask.
Wuhan Virus, Mask, 2019-nCov, Novel Coronavirus

Your Immunity Is the Most Important!

All these might be externally helping us to prevent from COVID-19 attack, but what we could do internally is more important. To build up our immunity to reduce the chance of viral infection and flu. With the below natural ways to boost the immune system, you can achieve a healthy immune system.
  • Eat more vegetables, fruits, seeds and nuts are loaded with nutrients that are essential for our immune system.
  • Drink more water, always hydrate your body as water works in removing toxins from the body, it could help prevent toxins from building up in your immune system.
  • Sufficient Sleep to prevent the our body from weakening our immunity system and response to vaccines.
  • Exercise on a regular basis to boost the immune system.
  • If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
  • Stop the habit of smoking as it impairs the immune system
  • Reduces your stress level as chronic stress suppresses the immune response of the body by releasing the hormone cortisol.
Prevention is always better than cure. We play our part to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Let’s not forget that sharing is caring. And share this article with your friends.
Source:

WHO website: Advice for public

Singapore Government website: https://www.gov.sg/article/masking-up-how-and-when-you-should-do-it

Harvard Health: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system

Ministry of Health Singapore : https://www.moh.gov.sg/2019-ncov-wuhan