- You can take steps to safeguard yourself and those around you.
- It's natural to feel weary of wearing masks and maintaining social distance. There has also been discussion from the White House regarding herd immunity – the concept that if a sufficient number of people become infected, the virus's spread will be curtailed.
- The U.S. is far from achieving herd immunity for SARS-CoV-2, which is estimated to require 60% to 70% of the population being infected—around 200 million people. Without a vaccine, this would overwhelm hospitals and lead to hundreds of thousands of additional deaths. Moreover, the duration of immunity remains uncertain.
- As there isn’t an approved vaccine in widespread use yet, it’s crucial to continue following protective measures. As a nursing school dean, I suggest adopting these seven straightforward steps to safeguard yourself and your family while helping to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Avoid crowds and keep some distance
Avoid the 3 C’s: closed spaces, crowded places, and close contact. This becomes more challenging as seasons change and activities move indoors.
When people talk, shout, or sing, they release tiny respiratory droplets into the air. If these droplets, which may contain the virus, enter your eyes, nose, or mouth, infection can occur. Keeping a distance of 6 feet is helpful but not foolproof, as the smallest droplets, called aerosols, can remain airborne for hours.
The risk of COVID-19 transmission rises in poorly ventilated indoor spaces where people gather for extended periods. Outbreaks have been traced to places like restaurants, fitness classes, nightclubs, and choir practices. To stay active safely, consider outdoor activities like walking with a friend or participating in virtual events.
Wear a face mask
Face masks are effective in reducing the spread of the virus by blocking droplets exhaled by people and filtering some of what they inhale. They are particularly crucial in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.
To wear a mask properly, begin by cleaning your hands thoroughly before putting it on. Ensure the mask fits snugly over your nose, mouth, and chin. If your nose is uncovered, the virus has a direct path for potential infection.
For fabric masks, ensure they have at least two layers for adequate protection.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Your hands come in contact with numerous surfaces and could very easily become infected with these viruses. The moment contaminated, the hands touch all parts of your body, especially the most prone places-the eyes, nose, or mouth-from which the virus infects the person.
Wash your hands
Washing your hands can effectively reduce the spread of viruses. Ensure you clean them regularly for at least 20 seconds using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to eliminate germs, including viruses.
During fall and winter, colds become more common. If you need to cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or a tissue. Dispose of the tissue in a closed bin right away and wash your hands afterward. Practicing good respiratory hygiene helps protect those around you from illnesses such as the common cold, flu, and COVID-19.
Keep surfaces clean
Recognize the symptoms
Until the U.S. has a widely used, approved vaccine with dependable immunity, the pandemic will continue to pose a serious health risk. Recognizing the symptoms of COVID-19 is crucial.
Typical symptoms include fever, dry cough, and fatigue. Some individuals may also experience loss of taste or smell, body aches, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, red eyes, diarrhea, or skin rash.
Because some of these symptoms resemble those of the common cold, it’s safest to take precautions. If you have a fever, difficulty breathing, or feel unwell, contact your doctor or hospital for assistance. For milder symptoms, self-isolate until you recover, even if they seem insignificant. Reach out to your healthcare provider or use the CDC’s Coronavirus Self-Checker for guidance. If you must leave your home, wear a face mask to prevent spreading the virus.
Stay informed about COVID-19 updates and risks by following local and national health authorities.
Take care of your mental health
Amid the stress and challenges of the pandemic, it’s essential to prioritize your mental health and overall well-being.
Staying connected with friends, family, and your community through social media, phone calls, video chats, or texts can help alleviate feelings of loneliness. Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising daily, and ensuring adequate sleep are key to both physical health and emotional resilience.
Take time for self-care by engaging in activities that bring you happiness. Don’t hesitate to seek help or use resources such as counseling or therapy if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Practice positive affirmations like, “This is temporary” and “We can get through this,” to foster a sense of hope.
The seriousness of COVID-19 cannot be overstated. Over a quarter million lives have been lost in the U.S. due to the virus. The long-term effects remain uncertain, and immunity after infection is not guaranteed. Even young, healthy individuals may face lasting complications like cognitive issues, fatigue, and heart or lung damage after recovery. As you plan ahead, remember to follow safety measures and find creative ways to stay connected while keeping your distance to protect yourself and others.