5 WAYS TO FIGHT CORONAVIRUS
Jamaica’s most unwelcomed visitor – the coronavirus – is on our shores, with the health ministry yesterday confirming that one persons has tested positive for the disease.
Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton yesterday said that patient is a Jamaican female who had travelled from the United Kingdom, where she is also a citizen. She arrived in the island last Wednesday, March 4, and was staying in the Bull Bay area on the St Thomas-St Andrew border.
The woman, who came to the island for a funeral, went to the doctor on Monday after she began showing symptoms. Health authorities said that she has been in isolation since then. Her condition is said to be stable.
The World Health Organization said that most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others.
Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following: Wash your hands frequently
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
Practise distancing’
Maintain at least a three-feet distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
‘social
When someone coughs or sneezes, they spray small liquid droplets from their 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.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
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.
properly & rest
The basis of your diet should be fruits and vegetables, a minimum of three servings per day. Dr Joy Callender, consultant nutritionist, advised that brightly pigmented fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants and keep your immune system functioning well. It is also important that you rest when you are
tired.
Coronavirus infects the lungs. The symptoms start with a fever, followed by a dry cough, which can lead to breathing problems. Scientists have said that it takes about five days on average to start showing the symptoms.
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.
WHEN TO SEE THE DOCTOR
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention, and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.