By Tracy Espinosa, FNP-C, MSN
The virus that causes COVID-19 is highly contagious, is spreading from person to person through respiratory droplets and is sustainable in the community. The number of people that are infected with COVID-19 is increasing daily and it is important to know ways to protect yourself. Although COVID-19 poses a higher risk for more serious complications in the immunocompromised and older adults, we need to all do our part in stopping the spread of the virus.
There are currently no vaccines or approved antiviral medications for COVID-19. The best way to prevent getting infected is to avoid being exposed to the virus.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing or have been in a public place.
- If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Make sure you cover all the surfaces of your hands including in between fingers and the back of your hands. Rub them altogether until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose with unwashed hands.
- Social distancing at least 6 feet away from each other.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, please stay home and call your personal care physician, ER, or urgent care in advance.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
- Throw used tissue in the trash.
- If you are sick, wear a face mask to protect others.
- If you are not sick, please do not wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick. There is a shortage of facemask for health care professionals. We cannot care for those that are sick if we get sick or are without the proper protective equipment.
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily (tables, doorknobs, hand rails, cell phones, countertops, light switches, desk, toilets, faucets and sinks).
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat or animal organs.
- If you're visiting live markets in areas that have recently had new coronavirus cases, avoid contact with live animals and surfaces they may have touched (WHO, 2020).
- CDC recommends avoiding non-essential travel, domestic and international.
- Stay hydrated to keep your immune system strong and regulate your body temperature.
- Avoid eating junk food. Eat healthy, nutritious meals/snacks with plenty of fruits and vegetables that support a healthy gut.
- Prebiotics are the fibers that feed the good bacteria of your gut. These foods include garlic, apples, onions, leeks, asparagus, bananas, barley, oats, cocoa, flax seeds, walnuts, Jerusalem artichokes, and seaweeds.
- Probiotics are live microorganisms that influence our body’s immune response. These foods include yogurt, kefir, kombucha, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, pickles, tempeh, natto and some cheeses (gouda, mozzarella, cheddar & cottage cheese).
- Stay hydrated and sleep 7-8 hours a night.
- Exercise 3-4 times/week at least 30-45 minutes a day.
- Occasionally open windows and doors to air-out your home.
- Take all recommended medications as directed.
References:
CDC
Medical News Today
National Library of Medicine
National Center of Complementary and Integrative Help
