Everyone must know that mankind has to live with corona for quite some time. As believed earlier, wrongly or rightly, that hot-climate countries would not be so badly affected, has been proven completely wrong.
The coronavirus of 2019 is a rather unruly one and will take time to eradicate as vaccines are not yet in hand. The only way to remain free of the virus is to remain firm and resolute on the recommended, highly-tested behaviour protocol, which is not difficult at all. One has only to avoid being exposed to the virus that spreads from person to person.
Social distance of at least six feet has to be maintained. Most people in India do not seem to adhere to this very simple precaution which keeps off respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Recent studies have suggested that the virus is spread by people who are not showing any symptoms.
Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after being in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing:It is critically important to wash hands before eating or preparing food; before touching face; after using the restroom; after leaving a public place; after blowing nose, coughing or sneezing; after handling mask; after changing a diaper; after caring for someone sick; after touching animals or pets.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol. All surfaces of hands should be covered and rubbed together until they feel dry. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Inside your home: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If possible, maintain six-feet between the person who is sick and other household members.
Outside home: one has to maintain a six-feet distance between self and people who don’t live in own household. The mouth and nose have to remain covered with a mask when amid other people even if it looks odd or laughable. Masks should not be placed on young children under age two and anyone who has trouble of breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
Masks meant for a healthcare worker should not be used. Currently, surgical masks and N95 respirators are in short supply.
They should be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders. Mouth and nose have to remain covered with a tissue while coughing or sneezing. If nothing is available to cover, the inside of the elbow can be used. Spitting in public should never happen. Used tissues should be thrown in the trash bin without fail.
Frequently-touched objects including tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks, etc., should be cleaned regularly with detergent or soap and water immediately before disinfecting them. Most commonly-used household disinfectants will work. One has to remain alert for symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other known symptoms.
This is particularly important for people running essential errands, going into the office or workplace and in settings where it may be difficult to keep a physical distance of six feet.Temperature monitoring is a must if symptoms develop. But temperature taken within 30 minutes of exercising or after taking medications would be wrong as that could lower temperature.
CDC guidance should be followed if symptoms develop.Healthcare systems have already been overwhelmed treating Covid-19 patients. Getting a flu vaccine is a good precautionary measure. It will not protect one against Covid-19, but there are many important benefits, such as reduction of the risk of flu illness, hospitalisation and death. Getting a flu vaccine can also save healthcare resources for the care of Covid-19 patients.
Now some information about guys who have made a difference to the pandemic situation: There are depressive, scary news stories every other day about corona warriors, including doctors, succumbing to the fragile pathogen.
It seems the health workers have been careless, unwittingly, maybe, about hand washing or sanitisation. Some very sharp-minded doctors who have been religiously and dedicatedly serving Covid patients have made it crystal clear that there is no danger at all only if hand washing and sanitisation techniques are strictly followed.Several doctors have come in the social media encouraging their fraternity to follow simple precautions. One such doctor has been found in Odisha. Dr Arnab Patnaik, in his thirties, is posted at the Puri District Headquarters Hospital.
Whoever has come in his contact says he is ‘Godsend'! Dr Patnaik has been serving Covid patients right from the virus onset times without fear or confusion.
He says, “If one follows the safety guidelines just religiously, particularly hand-washing and basic sanitisation, there is simply no reason why anyone at work will get infected unless misfortune befalls. Dr Patnaik, now looked upon as messiah, has not taken a single back step once while expected to serve Covid patients.
He not only remains jovially fit, he also guides patients and family member how to take simple precautionary measures to remain immune. The State Government would do great service to mankind by recognising such dedicated doctors, health workers and other professionals or related functionaries publicly so as to encourage more warriors to remain safe and deliver service.
There is big rumour that senior doctors are hiding away from zones with corona patients.
Though it is absolutely right to protect the lives of top doctors, it is also appropriate to ensure they do not live in fear without any basis.
The whole world knows that panic kills more than diseases do in such unprecedented pandemic situations.
People must know that many more flu and other viruses will keep coming in future. The present coronavirus has taught mankind many wonderful lessons, most importantly safe and civilised behaviour which is so simple to practise. Future flu pandemics shall not be so frightening, for sure.