Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. (CDC, 2020)
The coronavirus has been spreading uncontrollably for the last 60 days usually in packed areas such as the airport and person to person contact. Community spread is also highlighted where the origin of the virus is unknown, thus it may take 2-14 days before experiencing any symptoms. (CDC) Mild coronavirus is treatable through isolation at home with no person to person contact. According to the CDC, the elderly and people with cardiovascular diseases or compromised immune systems have an increased chance of getting severely infected. Seek medical advice if you are experiencing severe flu symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. There is no antiviral medication for the virus so it's important to take preventative measures to reduce contraction.
7 WAYS TO PREVENT CORONAVIRUS
1. Release Fear: This is strongly recommended but rarely discussed in the current prevention methods. Stress breaks down the immune system by reducing its ability to fight off antigens and lowers the number of lymphocytes. This imbalance makes your body more susceptible to infections. It may be hard to separate yourself from the alarming news coverage about the spread but being concerned/informed is different from being stressed/fearful.
2. Limit Contact with Public/Crowded Places: The virus is spread easier in public and crowded places such as airlines, schools, public transportation, etc. It is suggested that all (unimportant) air travel is canceled until the virus is controlled. Though, the increased risk is specific to locations with confirmed cases. Airlines such as Delta, American Airlines, JetBlue, and United are offering waived change fees.
3. Take Vitamin C Supplements: The antioxidants will protect your system from free radicals and inflammation; strengthening your immune system. You can also take acerola cherry powder as an alternative. (1,000 mg is recommended)
4. Exercise: Working out can greatly improve the strength of your immune system and promptly remove harmful toxins. You can do simple exercises in the comfort of your home with youtube videos, apps, or Pinterest pins to help. If you decide to use your personal or public gym, wipe down equipment before and after using it. Avoid saunas and steam rooms.
5. Eat Healthy Foods: This is crucial for the improvement and maintenance of your immune system. Properly nourishing your body will allow your immune system to be incongruence with preventing and fighting off infections. A plant-based diet is currently suggested to reduce contraction through harmful and susceptible meat.
6. Keeping a clean environment: Wiping down all surfaces you come in contact with on a daily basis. For example, doorknobs, car interior, bathrooms, pets, floors, kitchen, desks, cellphones, laptops, etc.
7. Wash your hands frequently: It's easy to miss the subtle opportunities to wash your hands. Most people keep it specific to before eating homemade dinner, working on a car, using the bathroom or some other obvious event that calls for a pair of clean hands. However, washing your hands is the #1 way to decrease the chances of infections and airborne viruses. Your hands are very susceptible to carrying harmful bacteria and you touch your face and cellphone unconsciously around 3,000 times per day combined. More than enough reason to wipe down your device and wash your hands frequently/correctly.