With vaccine against the coronavirus causing COVID-19 not in place yet, it is very important that you keep to the measures already put in place by the World Health Organization (WHO) to protect you against the infection of the coronavirus causing COVID-19. Those measures that have been put in place include:
- Washing your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or the use of alcohol based hand sanitizer gel.
- Maintaining and keeping 2 meters apart while outside.
- Social distancing, staying at home to protect yourself and others especially health care workers. Rule to this is if you have to go out shopping, engaging in a physical activity, or carrying out an essential work.
- Wearing a face mask while you are outside and making sure that the face mask you wear meet guideline and standards.
- Avoiding hand to touching your face.
- Cleaning all hard surfaces that you come in contact with regularly.
All of these measures will prevent or minimise the chances of you getting infected or spreading the coronavirus infection. The population at large is vulnerable to the coronavirus infection with most people including older adults and other ages with underlying disease conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney and liver disease, metabolic disorders and lung disease are at much greater risks of developing serious illness from the coronavirus infection.
A good coping mechanism during this unprecedented time is to maintain a healthy immune system. Your immune system is your defense system and it kick-start an immune response when any harmful invader such as bacteria, cold, flu or even the coronavirus attacks your body. The immune response is a sequence of reactions from every cells of your body and they respond quite quickly and over a period of time depending on how healthy your immune system is.
To develop a healthy immune system that will protect you against any invader, the following healthy advice may become useful.
- Eat fruits and vegetables as part of your normal diet.
- Drink alcohol moderately.
- Quit smoking.
- Engage in physical activity of at least 30 minutes daily to help with cardiovascular functions, control body weight and lowers your blood pressure if you suffer from a high blood pressure.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Manage your stress level.
- Get enough sleep.
- Manage your blood pressure and other long term heart and lung disease using your prescribed medication as recommended
- Supplement with multivitamins if you are not getting enough in your normal diet, however check with a pharmacist for an expert opinion if you are also taking other medication. Also do not overdose on them!
There are currently no specific drug treatment for COVID-19, it is also recommended that you do not self medicate, ensure that you keep yourself hydrated and if you develop symptoms such as cough, fever take recommended doses of Paracetamol and seek medical advice immediately.
There have been many reports suggesting the use of Azithromycin and Hydroxychloroquine against COVID-19; these results are not evidence based and as such should not be used at homes if you develop symptoms of the coronavirus causing COVID-19.
One great way to cope during this time and beyond is choosing and adapting to a healthy lifestyle. In that way, your body develops a natural immune system against any external attack.
GEORGE ORISILE
DISCLAIMER: The tips provided here are not to replace any advice as may have been provided by your medical doctor or other health care professionals.