The widespread COVID-19 pandemic has changed the course of our daily living, and is now the biggest challenge the world is facing.

You’re probably feeling overwhelmed by the situation now, but take heart, there are preventive measures to beat the virus. Before learning the basic prevention, here are some facts about COVID-19:

• A respiratory illness with symptoms that include fever, dry cough, fatigue, sore throat, and shortness of breath
  and are passed from person to person.
• A new type of coronavirus that was caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-Cov2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) that broke out in 2002-2003.

• This disease originated in Wuhan, China in late December 2019 and has now become a worldwide pandemic as it spreads throughout the world since then.

• Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that originated from animals and then were spread to people, thus,
  a type of Zoonotic Disease.

Interesting tips on how to beat the virus

Ultraviolet rays can disinfect the virus. According to an infectious disease expert, Daniel Kuritzkes, “Direct sunlight can help rapidly diminish infectivity of viruses on surfaces.”

Another group of experts has recently said that “The warmer [the place] is, the less contagious the coronavirus becomes.” 

Preventive Measures for COVID-19

Despite its threat, there are preventive measures we can do to combat coronavirus. Here are the
following:

• Practice good hygiene, eat healthy food, and have a good rest
• Boosting your immune system to beat the virus is the best way you can do.
• Use alcohol-based sanitizers (better to use 70% isopropyl alcohol) 
• Cover your mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Dispose used tissues immediately.
• Drink at least 12-15 glasses of water to keep yourself hydrated.
• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables because they contain antioxidants and pre-biotics to help keep your immune
  system strong.
• Sleep for 7-8 hours in total darkness. The hormone Melatonin increases our immunity.

• Clean and disinfect frequently-used surfaces

• Regularly clean shared frequently-touched surfaces at home such as doorknobs, tables, light switches, desks, faucets, toilets, handrails, remote controls (yes, since you are at home with everyone else now!), and the like.
• Make sure to welcome fresh air while at home. Open your windows and adjust air conditioning usage. Proper ventilation is important to the body while inside the house.
• Sanitize your mobile phones and other devices.
• Make sure laundry items are in their proper places. If possible, do not shake dirty laundry to minimize the possibility of dispersing the virus through the air (especially if you have been outside for a while).
• Observe social distancing

As much as possible, we don’t want to go out of our houses to avoid contact with other people. But,
in the event that we need to (like grocery shopping), then we must be ever-aware of social distancing measures. 

• Keep a 1-meter distance from other people when you’re outside.
• Use a surgical mask (or any mask you prefer) when outside.
• Avoid handshaking and other physical greetings.
• As much as possible, avoid physical greetings with your loved ones once you arrive home. Wash hands,
  arms, and face first with soap and water the moment you arrive. (I’m sure they’ll understand).
• Stay at home

While our frontliners are doing their best to treat and take care of the COVID-19 patients, the best way you can do to help curb the spread of the infectious disease is to stay at home. Never attempt to disobey the rules under the quarantine policy issued by the national and local government. Make the most out of your time to be more productive spending time with your family, doing your work while at the comfort of your home.

As we continue to combat COVID-19, it’s important to keep a “This-will-be-gone-soon” attitude and expectation while keeping the necessary preventive measures.

And before you know it, this pandemic is over. Stay safe