It’s becoming increasingly easy to get scared when you turn on the news these days, especially with news about the COVID-19 coronavirus grabbing headlines left and right. From food and supply shortages to widespread panic and death tolls, it can be very grim and scary. But it’s important for all of us not to panic. While COVID-19 is now considered a pandemic and can have devastating effects, there are things you can do to protect yourself and your family from this illness. Here is some information that may help you avoid COVID-19.
Wash Your Hands
You’ve heard it before, and it should go without saying, but washing your hands is one of the best defenses against coronavirus – provided you do it right. Make sure you are washing for at least 20 seconds with soap and hot water. This should kill the coronavirus and any other virus or germs that may have hitched a ride on your hands.
Don’t Rely on Sanitizer
Sanitizer is great for applying to clean hands when no soap and water are available, but studies have shown that hand washing still kills more germs than sanitizing does. So while it’s great to have, don’t think you are better off with sanitizer alone.
Face Masks May Not Help
Those cotton surgical masks people have been snapping up from medical supply stores should be saved for medical professionals who rely on them to protect patients from germs during exams and procedures. These masks were meant to keep your germs in, not to keep outside germs out, and they don’t offer adequate protection against viruses because they do not adhere tightly to the face. They also don’t protect the eyes, and if you happen to touch your mask with coronavirus germs on your hands, you can still easily contract it.
Practice ‘Social Distancing’
Social distancing is more than just a trendy buzzword. It means limiting the number of people you come in contact with by self-quarantining, working from home, avoiding groups of larger than 25 and keeping approximately 6 feet of distance between you and the people around you.
Remember, it’s important to not downplay the seriousness of COVID-19, but it’s also important to keep a clear head and not panic. Hopefully these steps will help keep you safe and healthy during this pandemic.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mingus, please contact the office at 541-382-6565.