Lifestyle Changes To Protect Yourself From The Coronavirus

Many of us are worried about getting the coronavirus, but with these simple steps, you can minimize the risk of contracting it.

The coronavirus has proven to be a deadly and serious illness. Many of us have lost family members, close friends, and colleagues due to Covid-19.

For this reason, we need to understand what the coronavirus is and take the proper steps to keep ourselves and others safe. The more you inform yourself about the virus, the safer you will be. 

Here are several ways to protect yourself and keep others safe from the coronavirus: 

1. Wash Your Hands Often 

Washing your hands often is a quick and easy way to limit the spread of germs. Therefore, washing your hands frequently can minimize the spread of Covid-19, and protect yourself from contracting the virus. 

According to the CDC, you must wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. You can also use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. It is also important to avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose with unwashed hands. 

If you want to help others, you should inform them of the importance of washing their hands due to Covid-19. To add on, researching the proper way to wash your hands can be beneficial during this time. 

Washing your hands for coronavirus
Photo Credit: Free Pik

2. Wear A Face Mask 

Wearing a mask can protect yourself and others from contracting the virus.

Besides, you cannot tell from looking at someone whether or not they have the illness. That's why it is important to wear a mask to slow the spread and keep others safe.

The CDC reveals when wearing your mask, it is important that the mask is covering your nose, mouth, and chin. Wearing a face mask can limit exposure to respiratory droplets from an infected person.

Therefore, it is important to find a mask that will suit your needs. 

Wearing your mask in public areas such as restaurants, malls, grocery stores, and the workplace can prevent the spread and protect you. Masks are also required when using public transportation such as buses, planes, and trains, or any form of public transportation. 

Protecting yourself from coronavirus
Photo Credit: Free Pik

3. Clean and Disinfect Surfaces 

Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched areas and objects is a good way to protect yourself and others from contracting the virus.

When you frequently clean and disinfect often touched areas such as tables, doorknobs, faucets, countertops, etc. can tackle the spread of the coronavirus. 

Disinfectants such as Lysol Disinfectant Spray are effective against the virus. Therefore, the EPA  claimed laboratory tests found that Lysol disinfectant spray and Lysol Disinfectant Cover Mist destroy the virus two minutes after contact. 

Bleach solutions are also effective against the virus, such as Clorox. 

Cleaning and disinfecting covid-19
Photo Credit: Free Pik

4. Stand 6 Feet Apart 

Standing 6 feet apart is important to protect yourself from contracting the coronavirus.

Keeping your distance can avoid close contact with those who may be infected with the illness. Since Covid-19 is known to be transmitted through respiratory droplets, it is important to wear your mask while standing six feet away from the other person. 

To add on, whether you are indoors or outdoors, it is best to avoid crowded areas. The more people you come into contact with, the more likely you will be exposed to the coronavirus. 

Stand 6 feet apart to prevent catching covid-19
Photo Credit: Free Pik 

5. Get Vaccinated 

Schedule an appointment to find locations where they're providing Covid-19 vaccinations near you. Getting the authorized Covid-19 vaccinations can protect others around you and may prevent you from getting seriously ill from the virus. 

Even after getting yourself vaccinated, it is important to still follow the CDC guidelines. Including washing your hands frequently, wearing a mask, and standing six feet apart from others. 

Taking a vaccine can minimize symptoms of coronavirus
Photo Credit: Free Pik

6. Self-Quarantine 

If you are not sick but are having concerns that you may have had exposure to the virus, it is important to self-quarantine. Quarantine means keeping someone who might have been exposed to the virus away from others.

However, if you are feeling sick and are aware that you have Covid-19, you must self-isolate. Doing this can stop you from spreading the virus to those that aren't sick.

It is also important to monitor your symptoms to see whether or not they have progressed. If so, you should contact your health care provider immediately. 

Self quarantined if you think you have been exposed to the virus
Photo Credit: UPMC HealthBeat

To conclude, these were just a few tips to keep yourself and others safe from contracting the virus.

So, it is important to cover your mouth and nose whenever you cough or sneeze. When you are indoors or outdoors, make sure that you are wearing a mask. 

Women talking with masks to remain safe
Photo Credit: Free Pik

Also, remember to stand six feet apart when you are in contact with others.

If you are aware that someone is sick, avoid them. If you are sick or think you might be sick, make sure that you stay home to prevent the spread. 

With that being said, continue to educate yourself about the virus, and stay safe.

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Opinions and Perspectives

RyleeG commented RyleeG 3 years ago

I appreciate how this article emphasizes protecting others, not just ourselves. We're all in this together.

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Still carry hand sanitizer everywhere I go. Some habits from this pandemic will stick with me forever.

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These guidelines helped me create a safer workplace for my employees. Their health comes first.

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Lenora_Dawn commented Lenora_Dawn 3 years ago

The hardest part was changing social habits but now it feels natural. Amazing how we can adapt.

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Alina_Wonder commented Alina_Wonder 3 years ago

Being vaccinated gave me peace of mind but I still follow all other precautions. Better safe than sorry.

3
SilentWatcherX commented SilentWatcherX 3 years ago

Teaching kids about these safety measures was challenging but worth it. They're more conscious about hygiene now.

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SeanWilson commented SeanWilson 3 years ago

I actually got closer to my neighbors during this time. We all looked out for each other while maintaining distance.

3
SableX commented SableX 3 years ago

The early days of searching for masks and sanitizer seem so long ago now. Glad supplies are readily available.

4
Juliana_Hope commented Juliana_Hope 3 years ago

Found that keeping disinfectant wipes in every room helps me clean more frequently. Small change, big impact.

5
DreamWeaverX commented DreamWeaverX 3 years ago

Wish more people understood that masks protect others more than themselves. It's about community responsibility.

4
TimeTravelerX commented TimeTravelerX 3 years ago

These guidelines helped me protect my newborn during the pandemic. Can't be too careful with little ones.

3
Miranda-Gomez commented Miranda-Gomez 3 years ago

I've started keeping sanitizer and spare masks in my car. Better to be prepared than sorry.

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SpencerG commented SpencerG 3 years ago

The psychological impact of self-quarantine is real. We should add tips for maintaining mental health during isolation.

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StarbornNomad commented StarbornNomad 3 years ago

My company provided us with care packages including masks and sanitizers. Made following these guidelines much easier.

4
NightWalkerX commented NightWalkerX 3 years ago

Getting vaccinated was emotional for me. Felt like the first step toward normalcy.

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GlitchSeeker commented GlitchSeeker 3 years ago

We need more articles like this that explain the why behind each measure. Knowledge really helps with compliance.

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ThunderWraith commented ThunderWraith 3 years ago

Reading about the two-minute disinfectant contact time was new to me. Been wiping surfaces too quickly I guess.

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Seraphina_Breeze commented Seraphina_Breeze 3 years ago

Never thought I'd say this but masks have grown on me. They're great in winter too!

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Couch_Column commented Couch_Column 3 years ago

The cleaning routine has become second nature now. Amazing how habits can change when they're truly important.

1
ZenModeActivated commented ZenModeActivated 3 years ago

These measures helped protect my elderly parents. Can't stress enough how important they are for vulnerable people.

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Working from home has made following these guidelines easier. Really grateful for that option.

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LianaM commented LianaM 3 years ago

Hand sanitizer is great but nothing beats good old soap and water. My hands are drier but at least I'm safe.

1
Ruby_Sparrow commented Ruby_Sparrow 3 years ago

It's frustrating when family members don't take these precautions seriously. Any advice on handling that?

3
Skylar_Luna commented Skylar_Luna 3 years ago

The point about avoiding crowded areas is crucial. I've completely changed my shopping habits because of this.

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McNary_Musings commented McNary_Musings 3 years ago

I've noticed my seasonal allergies have been better since wearing masks. Unexpected benefit I guess!

3
UpliftAndInspire commented UpliftAndInspire 3 years ago

Vaccination rates in my area are still low. Articles like this help spread awareness but we need more community engagement.

1
Lowry_Ledger commented Lowry_Ledger 3 years ago

Anyone else struggling with glasses fogging up while wearing masks? Still haven't found a perfect solution.

4
Elevate-Wellness commented Elevate-Wellness 3 years ago

Just want to point out that standing 6 feet apart while wearing masks is much more effective than either measure alone.

0

The article could have mentioned the importance of staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy diet too.

3

I work in healthcare and these guidelines are spot on. They're simple but effective when done consistently.

1

My kids actually enjoy the hand washing routine now. We made it into a game and they're learning good habits.

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ParallelDreams commented ParallelDreams 3 years ago

The part about cleaning surfaces is great but let's not forget about our phones! They're probably the dirtiest things we own.

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HackerMind commented HackerMind 3 years ago

Been doing all these things since day one and haven't caught Covid yet. It's not luck, it's being careful.

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JasonClark commented JasonClark 3 years ago

Remember to change your mask regularly too! A dirty mask isn't helping anyone.

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Hannity_Hour commented Hannity_Hour 4 years ago

Vaccination doesn't mean we can stop other precautions. I know too many people who think they're invincible after getting the shot.

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The mental health aspect of all this isn't discussed enough. Following these guidelines is important but so is taking care of our emotional wellbeing.

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BelieveAchieve commented BelieveAchieve 4 years ago

I wish the article mentioned something about air circulation. Opening windows regularly has become part of my routine now.

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Daisy_Rays commented Daisy_Rays 4 years ago

My workplace has implemented all these measures and we haven't had a single case so far. These steps really work when everyone follows them.

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Not sure about the vaccination part. I respect everyone's choice but I'm still hesitant about getting it myself.

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ClioH commented ClioH 4 years ago

Anyone else notice how some surfaces are often overlooked? Like light switches and remote controls need cleaning too.

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Matt_2004 commented Matt_2004 4 years ago

The 6-feet rule has actually helped me become more aware of personal space in general. I think I'll keep this habit even after the pandemic.

6

Self-quarantine is crucial but it can be really tough mentally. Been through it myself and those 14 days felt like forever.

6

Getting vaccinated was the best decision I made. My whole family is protected now and we feel much safer.

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Tina_Glimmer commented Tina_Glimmer 4 years ago

The mask requirement is so important but I still see people wearing them below their nose. It defeats the whole purpose!

5

Totally agree about the hand washing importance. I've made it a habit to sing happy birthday twice while washing to ensure I hit that 20-second mark.

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Helena-Franklin commented Helena-Franklin 4 years ago

I find it interesting that Lysol spray kills the virus in just two minutes. Been using it regularly but didn't know it worked that quickly.

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JulianaJ commented JulianaJ 4 years ago

Lost my uncle to Covid last year. These precautions really do matter. Please everyone take this seriously.

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Greta_Spring commented Greta_Spring 4 years ago

I appreciate how comprehensive this article is about Covid safety. The hand washing tip seems basic but it's amazing how many people still don't do it properly.

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