Corona, a name that was familiar within the medical community around 100 years ago, is now since January of 2020, being one of the most known and scariest terms to humanity. There seems no cure or a developed vaccine insight to which scientists are virtually working day and night to discover one. At present, more than 3 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported, and an estimated amount of 250,000 people and still counting have lost their lives to this disease. The Economies are crashing, and this lethal virus has brought misery and superstitions to its knees. Most of the people are in panic and very fearful of this pandemic. Therefore, increasing the demand for surgical masks and cotton masks to the extent of a surge in a rush to purchase masks online.
“Prevention is better than cure,” as old as this saying gets, it still applies to the current situation. Most people, not knowing the seriousness of this condition, had taken it lightly only to realize that death could be looming if it gets into our system. So, to protect yourself and your family members, it is essential to know the critical information about this virus.
How does Coronavirus spread?
The coronavirus spreads in the sneeze and cough droplets of a person who has the virus. To infect you, it has to get into your eyes, nose, or mouth. This transmission can be direct or indirect. Anyone who is 6 feet within that infected person can breathe in the droplets, which makes its way into their respiratory tract. Another way the virus can get into you is when you touch a surface that someone who has the virus has coughed or sneezed onto it. The virus can live on surfaces like plastic and stainless steel for up to 2 to 3 days, which makes it very dangerous.
How easy is it to get infected?
This number varies depending upon several factors but, one study shows that on average, every person who has COVID-19 will pass on to 2 – 6.6 others.
What does the virus do?
Once you are in contact with the virus, it sits in the throat on the upper respiratory tract. In most cases, 80-85% of the patient’s symptoms are mild; you may experience a sore throat or a dry cough. The symptoms may pass on, but when your immune system kicks in, it fights back to create a hostile environment to the virus, this may cause an increase in your body temperature. In severe cases, the virus attacks your lungs and causes pneumonia making it difficult to breathe. One could eventually gasp for breath. Generally, most people can recover from this condition, which can take up to 10 days to the peak. But, pneumonia can be fatal, particularly in the elderly and people with immune-compromised disease conditions since their immune system is weak, which will finally lead to respiratory failure, ultimately causing death.
Now that you know the gravity of this, let us discuss how we can prevent the virus from causing a catastrophe. It all boils down to your self-discipline and selflessness. Lack of these qualities can end up harming you and the people whom you love.
Importance of wearing masks
Along with social distancing and hand washing, wearing masks be they surgical mask or cotton mask will dramatically lower your risk of being infected. If used correctly, this can be a lifesaver but, more than 80% of people who use a mask are not using it correctly or not using the right mask. A mask should meet the following criteria
- It should fit nose downwards right up to the chin area properly extending to both sides of the face, tethered by a loop
- It should be made with material that filter pollutants
Why choose Ultifresh Disposable and Reusable masks?
Unlike most companies that manufacture masks, Ultifresh disposable masks and reusable masks meet the above criteria. Ultifresh disposable masks ideal for quick use and disposal. Ultifresh reusable masks come with an adjustable earloop to fit all face sizes, both providing 99% bacterial filtration efficiency. They provide the ultimate protection against pollutants and is 100% reliable. When wearing a mask,
- Wash hands well before handling it
- Secure the loops well on either side
- Avoid touching the center of the mask.
Maintain proper hygiene and wash your hands frequently
When the virus from an infected person lands on a surface, it can be picked up by somebody who touches that particular area, and when that person touches his eyes, nose, and mouth, the transmission into our lungs takes place. So, you must avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth. Wash your hands frequently with soap at least for 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with 60% of alcohol in it. Never consider yourself too busy to wash your hands in many instances.
Here are some instances where you are advised to wash your hands
- Before leaving and entering your home
- After coughing and sneezing
- Before and after being on public transport or any public area
You must cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough. This precaution prevents the respiratory droplets from contaminating your surroundings. Talking about surroundings, don’t forget to disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces around you.
Practise social distancing
Suppose you are in need to work during this pandemic. Social distancing should be practiced at all costs. Social distancing might not be effective as staying at home, but, still, it is essential to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. It does this by minimizing the physical contact between the infected and the healthy individual.
So you should:
- Keep a 2 meter between you and other people or your colleagues at work
- Avoid crowded places, including public transport.
- Avoid physical contact at all costs.
Stay Home, Stay Safe
This virus can spread rapidly in society, so everyone needs to stay at home to protect themselves and others. The main goal ought to be is to stop spreading the virus as the emergency services of each country has a capacity that is stretched to the maximum limit. Since a limited number of patients can be accommodated for treatment, a scarcity of supplies can arise. An increase in the number of patients can disrupt the balance of the system to lose its efficiency in the treatment process. So, here are some of the tips you can follow
- Work from home if you can
- Avoid traveling as much as possible
- Visit your friends and family by phone and computer
- Do your shopping, especially groceries and food items online or through takeaway services.
If these rules are followed to the letter, there is no reason for one to regret at leisure. So, please abide by them to avoid the heartache and misery that comes with this disease.