True-false effective ways to protect against coronavirus

How to protect your self against Coronavirus or Covid-19?

Now present on the 5 continents as well as in the US, the coronavirus is constantly being talked about. Its novelty and its rapid spread have quickly worried all the world. Here we will provide an answer to the most popular questions and provide the recommended measures for true Coronavirus protection.

Regular hand washing is required

True – Knowing that we mechanically touch our faces about 3,000 times a day, it is essential to wash our hands to prevent the spread of viruses. Indeed, the mouth, nose, and eyes are the gateways for Covid-19, which is transmitted, among other things, through direct contact such as a handshake as well as through objects (the virus’s lifespan on so-called inert surfaces would be a few hours).

We, therefore, think of washing our hands ideally every hour with soap for at least 30 seconds by rubbing between the fingers and under the nails. You can also use a hydroalcoholic solution.
Do not forget to do it after sneezing or coughing, and even if you have used a tissue to protect your face. This will also protect you from other viruses that are currently circulating, such as the flu or gastroenteritis!

You must wear a mask

True and false – There are 2 types of masks. The first is the surgical mask that allows you to avoid transmitting the virus to others when you are sick. The second mask (FFP2 or FFP3) helps protect against the virus.

Currently, the Ministry of Health recommends that people with coronavirus wear a surgical mask to prevent the spread of the virus. However, it is not recommended to wear a protective mask. Many people, out of fear, went to buy them in pharmacies and unfortunately, they were quickly been out of stock. It is important today to adopt a responsible behavior because the people who need these masks first and foremost are the medical and nursing staff, as they are now in the front line when dealing with the patients.

When I cough or sneeze, I have to put my hands in front of my face.

False – When you sneeze or cough, protecting your face with your hands is not a good idea because if you have the virus, it will spread to your hands through microdroplets. If you touch an object or person, the risk of spreading the virus will be increased. The best way to protect others is to sneeze or cough into your elbow. This is also valid as a protective measure against the flu virus, for example.

Essential oils can protect me from Covid-19

True and False – Although some essential oils have anti-viral properties, there is no evidence today that they are effective against coronavirus. You can, therefore, use them carefully if you wish, but they are not a substitute for a good hand wash.

I can make my own protective mask

False – There are many articles and videos on the Internet explaining how to make your own face mask, usually using paper towels. The arguments are appealing because it’s economical and we usually have them all at home. This is reassuring when the price of masks is soaring on the internet and pharmacies are running out of masks.

However, this will not be of any use to protect you from coronavirus or any other virus. So be careful of false information circulating on the web.

In addition, we remind you that wearing a mask is only recommended for people infected with the virus in order to stop its spread.

I can make myself a hydroalcoholic gel

True and false – It is becoming increasingly difficult to find them as supermarkets and pharmacies have been running out of stock. The World Health Organization has recently issued the recipe and many tutorials are appearing on the web.

Nevertheless, it is important to know that this recipe is intended for pharmacy professionals to help them prepare emergency stocks in case of high demand.

It is not recommended to prepare it at home because the ingredients can be dangerous when they are incorrectly dosed and used (combustion, detonation, etc.). If hydroalcoholic gels are not available, simply use water and soap, which are just as effective and less harmful than hydroalcoholic gels, which, let’s not forget, contain endocrine disruptors.

Taking antibiotics will protect me

False – Antibiotics will not protect you from coronavirus either if you get it or if you can prevent it. Antibiotics only work on bacteria. The coronavirus is a virus as its name implies.

There is currently no conventional treatment for Covid-19. Doctors treat symptoms such as cough or fever in people with the disease.

It is important to disinfect my mobile phone regularly.

True – The smartphone is a veritable nest of germs. You touch it all day long and rarely think about cleaning it. Imagine taking public Transport, touching your phone and then getting out of the subway to clean your hands. It’s a good thing, except that you will then touch your phone again where many germs are present. Hand washing will therefore only be effective if it is accompanied by regular cleaning of your phone, tablet, etc.

I don’t have to order anything from China anymore.

Wrong – As stated previously, the Covid-19’s life expectancy on objects is a few hours. If you order on the internet and your package comes from China or Italy for example, there is no risk. Because even if the virus was present on the object or the package, it would not survive the transport which usually lasts several days. You can, therefore, place orders on the internet without fear.

Airing my home will protect me

True and False – Covid-19 is transmitted through microdroplets less than 1 meter away (coughing, sneezing and spitting). It is not transmitted through the air, as was the case, for example, during the H1N1 influenza pandemic, where the virus could remain airborne.

Airing your home will not protect you from coronavirus, however, promoting air renewal is always a good idea to limit indoor pollution (dust, pollutants, fungi …).

You may like to know more:

Coronavirus: What you need to know!

Coronavirus update: 9 facts about Coronavirus

Dr. Elix – Stay Safe 🖐