The Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is rapidly changing. We are all encouraged to be aware of the latest information on this new virus, and we here in Anguilla should be getting the latest information from our Ministry of Health.
COVID-19 is still affecting people in China with some outbreaks in other countries like the Republic of Korea, Iran and Italy. Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for some. (Globally, about 3.4% of reported COVID-19 cases have died.) There are several simple things you can do to decrease your chances of getting any virus infection including COVID-19.
Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus
You might find some of the following advice from the World Health Organization helpful for your own health, as well as the health of others around you. Individuals are encouraged to adopt some or all of the following measures:
Wash your hands frequently
Like the common cold, coronavirus (COVID-19) infection usually occurs through close contact with a person with coronavirus via cough and sneezes or hand contact. Persons can also be infected by touching contaminated surfaces if they do not wash their hands.
Washing your hands is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself, and others, from illnesses such as flu and other viral infections. Washing your hands with soap and water, or using alcohol-based hand rub, kills viruses that may be on your hands. You should wash your hands for the amount of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice (around 20 seconds).
When should you wash your hands?
You should wash your hands:
• after using the toilet or changing a nappy
• before and after handling raw foods like meat and vegetables
• before eating or handling food
• after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing
• before and after treating a cut or wound
• after touching animals, including pets, their food and after cleaning their cages
Dozens of studies show hand-washing can prevent life-threatening diseases, and even save lives.
Do not touch your face, particularly your mouth, nose , or eyes
When an infected person coughs or sneezes, he/she lets out a spray, and if these droplets reach the nose, eyes, or mouth of another person, he/she can pass on the virus. In some cases, a person might catch a respiratory disease indirectly, via touching droplets on surfaces — and then touching mucosal membranes in the mouth, eyes and nose.
Maintain social distancing
Maintain at least 2 metres (6 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. When someone coughs or sneezes he/she sprays small liquid droplets from his/her nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
Practice respiratory hygiene
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early.
Sick individuals are encouraged to stay at home.
It should be emphasized that if you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. You are encouraged to call in advance before going to a healthcare facility. Calling in advance will allow your healthcare provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
We are in the midst of the cold and flu season. Not all cases of the running nose need to visit a healthcare facility. Your healthcare provider can guide you on the management of these common disorders. Remember to share your travel history with your healthcare provider.
Other useful tips:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Only use face masks if you have symptoms of Covid-19, or you are a health worker or taking care of someone who is sick.
Conclusion
Information on the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak is changing rapidly. You should get the latest information on the disease in Anguilla from reputable sources such as the Ministry of Health here in Anguilla. As for prevention measures, simple basis hygiene techniques are being encouraged – such as frequent hand washing with soap and water, covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. You should avoid handshaking with sick individuals and definitely no kissing. If you are sick you should stay at home to avoid spreading your infection to others. If you have had recent travels to countries where there is an outbreak of COVID-19 and developed a fever, cough and shortness of breath, get in contact with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. He/she will guide you on further management.
Ask Your Dr is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG is an obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor with over thirty-seven years in clinical practice. Dr Brett Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 497 5828).
