COVID-19 is a virus that causes respiratory disease and in serious cases it can lead to pneumonia. If one exhibits symptoms such as respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties then he/she may suffer from coronavirus. More severe cases of COVID-19 can also cause severe acute respiratory syndrome and kidney failure. These symptoms can be particularly dangerous for elderly patients or people with existing health conditions. Moreover, people with any existing medical conditions are at a greater risk of it. Here’s a complete guide on what you should do and avoid during the homestay.
All you need to know about the lockdown
As coronavirus takes a firm grip over India, the central and state authorities are working in overdrive to try and curb the spread. To tame the spread of the deadly disease, 30 states, and union territories have gone under lockdown.
What is a lockdown?
A lockdown can be described as an emergency protocol that prevents people from leaving a given area. A full lockdown will mean that you must stay where you are and not exit or enter a building or the given area. Moreover, this scenario usually allows for essential supplies, grocery stores, pharmacies and banks to continue to serve the people. Likewise, all the non-essential activities will be shut for the entire period. The country, at the moment, is not under complete lockdown. But travel restrictions have been imposed and public places have been shut along with rail, intercity bus services.
This is what you need to do when you are at home during the lockdown
· Stick to a proper routine: Following a set schedule is the key. Maintain your eating habits and sleep timing. Do not forget to exercise at home as it can be beneficial for your physical and mental well-being.
· Take charge of your mental well-being: Avoid becoming anxious or getting panic during the time of coronavirus outbreak. Instead of fearing, follow all the safety measures. Try to stay calm. Meditation or yoga could help you set all your worries free. Do not start consuming alcohol or smoking if you are mentally disturbed.
· There should be no overload of information: Set a schedule as to when you will watch the news. Do not drown yourself completely in this news as it can be a matter of concern for you. Stick to the trustable sources. Do not pay any heed to rumors. Strike a daily balance in your routine and protect yourself. Say ‘NO’ to unregulated social media feeds. Educate your children about coronavirus and help them to learn about various measures of protection. Encourage them to get information from trustworthy sources rather than social media.
· Eat healthily and strengthen your immune system: See to it that you avoid binge eating while at home, and only stick to healthy eating. Say no to junk food that can take a toll on your health. Go for green leafy vegetables, whole grain foods such as nuts and seeds, and a whole range of fresh fruit and vegetables, particularly for things like Vitamin C.
· Do not come in contact with any family member who has a cold or cough.
· Wash your hands before cooking, eating, using the washroom or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
· Even at home, make sure that you maintain a six feet limit.
· Clean frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, handrails, remote controls and tabletops. This is particularly important if you have an older or vulnerable person in the house. When cleaning you should use your usual household products, like detergents and bleach, as these will be very effective at getting rid of the virus on surfaces. Also, clean your house and washroom from time to time.
BY: Dr. Behram Pardiwala, Internal Medicine Expert, Wockhardt Hospital South Bombay