Looking for travel tips to keep safe from the Coronavirus? My initial tip would be – don’t travel but if that cannot be avoided then here some travel tips to protect yourself.
How is Coronavirus spread?
Coronavirus also scientifically known as Covid-19 is a fast-moving infection originating in China. It spreads when an infected person coughs small droplets – packed with the virus – into the air. These can be breathed in, or cause an infection if you touch a surface they have landed on then your eyes, nose or mouth.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Coronavirus is could become a pandemic. At the time of writing this post, it has spread to more than 100 countries and claimed more than 3,800 lives.
How do I protect myself from Covid-19?
1. Wash your hands regularly
Use hot water and soap when washing your hands for 20 seconds. You can also use a sanitizer gel. Make sure you follow the proper method when washing your hands.
Watch the video on how to wash your hands: The 20-second hand wash
2. Carry disposals tissues
Catch coughs and sneezes with disposals tissues. Immediately throw away the used tissues and wash your hands!
If you do not have tissues, use your sleeve. It sounds gross but it better than spreading the germs!
3. Avoid Close Contact with others
Use hot water and soap when washing your hands for 20 seconds. You can also use a sanitizer gel. Make sure you follow the proper method when washing your hands.
Watch the video on how to wash your hands: The 20-second hand wash
4. Avoid Touch
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
5. Face and Surgical Masks
There are two types of masks you can get – N95 Respirator and the standard surgical mask.
The N95 Respirator reduces exposure to smaller particles. It filters out at least 95% airborne particles. It is tight-fitting with minimum leakage.
The surgical mask, on the other hand, is loose fitting and allows leakage around the edges. It is fluid-resistant and protects the wearer against large droplets! But it does not protect against smaller airborne particles!
Virologists are skeptical about their effectiveness against airborne viruses. But there is some evidence to suggest the masks can help prevent hand-to-mouth transmissions.
A 2016 study from New South Wales suggested people touched their faces about 23 times an hour. So, you decide if it is beneficial to you or not!
What are the coronavirus symptoms?
Coronavirus infects the lungs. The symptoms start with a fever followed by a dry cough. After a week, it can lead to shortness of breath and some people need hospital treatment.
The early symptoms can easily be confused with other winter bugs including colds and flu.
The incubation period – between infection and showing symptoms – lasts up to 14 days, the World Health Organization (WHO) says. Some researchers say it may be up to 24 days.
Be Aware and Keep Safe!
A World Health Organization examination of data from 56,000 patients suggests:
- 6% become critically ill – lung failure, septic shock, organ failure and risk of death
- 14% develop severe symptoms – difficulty breathing and shortness of breath
- 80% develop mild symptoms – fever and cough and some may have pneumonia
The proportion dying from the disease appears low (between 1% and 2%) – but the figures are unreliable. Thousands are being treated but may go on to die – so the death rate could be higher. But it may also be lower if lots of mild cases are unreported.
So take care at all times and safe travels!
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Good tips to remember, especially for people who are still traveling.
It is good to keep people informed in how to avoid it! LEt’s hope is controlled sometime soon
Thanks for the great and reliable advice here. This thing looks terrible so its definitely wise to be more cautious when travelling.
This is a very timely post and much needed indeed . For the time being I think we need to take slow on travel and better be safe than sorry.