COVID-19 WHO Preventative Guidelines

By now, you’ve heard about the novel Coronavirus or COVID-19. There are many types of coronaviruses that cause various illnesses like the common cold. They can also cause severe diseases, like Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-COV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-COV). Read through and learn more about COVID-19 WHO Preventative Guidelines.

COVID-19 is a new strain that has never been seen in humans before 2019. Coronaviruses are categorized as zoonotic; this means humans and animals can infect each other with the virus. The UAE and other countries around the world are striving to combat the spread of the virus by banning citizens from traveling abroad.  

When and How to Wear a Mask 

Before you rush to buy a mask, do you know when and how to use it? It is necessary to depend on reliable sources like the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Believing everything on social media will misinform you and put you at risk of infection. 

Healthy people only need masks when taking care of individuals suspected of having the virus. You should also wear a mask if you’re sneezing or coughing. Masks alone are not effective; you have to wash your hands frequently with water and soap or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Whenever you wear a mask, you ought to know how to use and dispose of it appropriately. 

According to the WHO, you should wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub before putting on your mask. Cover your mouth and nose with the mask ensuring that there are no gaps between the mask and your face. Avoid touching the mask when using it, but if you do wash your hands with soap or sanitize your hands. You should not re-use a single-use mask and get rid of it as soon as it gets damp. Remove your mask from behind, don’t touch the front and discard it immediately in a closed bin. After this, wash your hands with soap and water/sanitize. 

COVID-19 WHO Preventative Guidelines

According to the WHO, most people who become infected experience mild illnesses and recover, but it can also be more severe to others. However, you can take care of yourself and others by following these preventative guidelines. 

Don’t Panic 

It is human nature to panic when faced with a difficult situation, especially a pandemic. Coronavirus is causing fear and panic among many people because it is a new virus, which means nobody has immunity. 

Although the WHO labeled COVID-19 as a pandemic, you should not fear it because this does not describe the deadliness of the illness. Also, COVID-19 is a droplet disease meaning it spreads through respiratory droplets through coughing or sneezing. Coronavirus in Dubai can be controlled by avoiding fear and the spread of false information. 

Wash Your Hands Frequently 

Washing your hands is the surest way of preventing the spread of Coronavirus in the UAE. Although washing your hands seems like common sense and easy to do, you must do it properly with soap and water. The second best option is to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 

There are 5 steps to washing your hands thoroughly. First, wet both hands with clean running water and then lather. Apply enough soap to the back and inside of your hands, and don’t forget the fingertips. Wash your hands for 20 seconds; don’t forget your fingernails and jewelry. Washing your fingernails is very important because we often use our fingers to touch our eyes, mouth, and nose; this is what spreads the virus. 

Scrub and then rinse your hands under running water. The last step is to completely dry your hands with a disposable paper towel to avoid leaving the germs on towels. You can also use air dryers. 

Avoid Crowded Areas 

According to the WHO, you should maintain a social distance of at least 1 meter from a person who is coughing/sneezing. This is because when a person coughs/sneezes, small liquid droplets are released from his mouth and nose and sprayed in the air. These droplets might contain the virus, and if you are too close, you will breathe in the droplets. 

Avoid Touching Your Face 

Health professionals, advise people to avoid touching their faces to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This is because our hands touch many surfaces, and we can end up picking the virus. When your hands are contaminated, you can pass the virus to your mouth, nose, or eyes; these are the entry points of COVID-19 into the body. It can be difficult to avoid touching your face; however, knowing your face touching triggers help to stay safe. 

Self-Quarantine 

If you’ve followed the guidelines by health professionals, like DHA, CDC, or WHO, and are worried that you might have been exposed to COVID-19, self-quarantine is an effective way to prevent the spread. 

You should self-quarantine if you have a high or medium risk of exposure to COVID-19. This is if you live, care, or are intimate with someone who exhibits symptoms of COVOD-19, and you have not adhered to the precautionary steps to prevent the transmission of Coronavirus. 

You should also self-isolate if you have come into contact with an individual with a confirmed case of COVID-19. If you don’t have any symptoms and are healthy, you don’t have to self-isolate, but you should maintain social distance. You can also boost your immunity by having IV drips, and you don’t have to worry because you can utilize the doctor on-call service. 

If You Have COVID-19 Symptoms Seek Medical Care 

If you feel sick, stay at home; however, if you have difficulty breathing, cough, and fever, you should seek early medical care. This is necessary because the local authorities in your area have the expertise to help you and prevent the spread of the virus. 

Coronavirus is a family of viruses that cause the common cold and more severe diseases. However, there is no need for alarm because COVID-19 can be controlled. But, it all starts with you by following health guidelines and protecting yourself and others.