Doctors share simple ways to proactively prevent Covid-19

With the current signs of increasing Covid-19 cases, proactively preventing the disease at home is very necessary and important to avoid rapid spread.

Master - Doctor Le Ngo Minh Nhu, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Campus 3, said that below are some Covid-19 prevention measures that everyone can take.

Wear a mask when going out or coming into contact with other people

Note, you should change the mask after each use, or change it immediately when the mask becomes wet or dirty.

Wearing a mask in public is one of the effective ways to prevent Covid-19

Photo: AI

Wash your hands frequently

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

When to wash your hands: After going out, before eating, after coughing or sneezing, after using the toilet.

Improve indoor air circulation: Open windows and use fans to increase air circulation in the living space. Avoid staying in closed, air-conditioned places for long periods of time.

Disinfect frequently touched surfaces: Wipe door handles, stair handrails, tables and chairs, control devices... with alcohol-based solutions or disinfectant solutions (such as chloramine B 0.1%).

Boost immunity

Eat nutritious food, get enough sleep, and do light exercise every day (15-30 minutes at home).

Drink enough water, supplement vitamin C (from fresh fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, guava).

Limit gatherings and keep your distance

Keep a distance of at least 1-2 meters from others, especially when you or the other person shows signs of cough or fever.

Should I use essential oils at home?

Specialist Doctor Le Ngoc Chau, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Branch 3, shared: "First, we must know that essential oil steaming cannot replace vaccines and masks in preventing the Covid-19 epidemic. However, steaming essential oils properly will bring many benefits."

Steaming herbal essential oils helps reduce colds, expel wind and cold, clear the respiratory tract, and is antibacterial.

Photo: AI

According to Dr. Chau, steaming with essential oils is a method of using heat and essence from herbs to affect the body through the respiratory tract and skin. There are two main types: full body steaming and nose and throat steaming.

Steaming with herbal essential oils helps reduce colds, expel wind and cold, clear the respiratory tract, fight bacteria, reduce stress, calm the mind, help you sleep well, and increase local blood circulation...

From there, Dr. Ngoc Chau guides everyone through 2 methods of fumigating to prevent disease:

Method 1: Use an essential oil diffuser

Add 3-5 drops of essential oil to the machine, add water according to the machine's instructions.

Steam for 30 minutes to 1 hour each time, 1-2 times/day.

Note: Place the device in a well-ventilated area, avoid steaming for too long or too close to children's noses.

Method 2: Steam essential oils with hot water

Boil water, add 3-5 drops of essential oil to the bowl of hot water.

Cover your head with a towel and steam your face for about 5-10 minutes.

Note: Not for use by children, people with underlying heart disease, high blood pressure or asthma.

"Don't be careless"

Two doctors recommend that three groups of people need to be prioritized for protection as follows:

Children (especially children under 5 years old): “Children should be limited to crowded places; children should be instructed to wash their hands properly and not put their hands on their mouth or nose. If the child shows signs of fever, cough, loss of appetite, fussiness, etc., they should be taken to the doctor early. Do not arbitrarily steam or use essential oils for children under 2 years old because it can easily irritate the respiratory tract,” Dr. Minh Nhu emphasized.

Elderly people (especially over 60 years old): Elderly people have low resistance and are susceptible to complications such as pneumonia and respiratory failure. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure a nutritious diet, supplement vitamins C, D, and zinc; combine light breathing exercises and walking around the house to keep the lungs healthy; take medication regularly to treat underlying diseases (if any) and do not stop taking medication on your own during the epidemic season.

People with underlying medical conditions : This group of people has poor resistance, is at higher risk of virus infection, is susceptible to acute respiratory failure, and has more severe underlying medical conditions if infected with Covid-19.

Master - Doctor Le Ngo Minh Nhu gives advice:

“Covid-19 is not completely over, so don't be complacent”: The slight increase in cases is a warning that the virus is still circulating, people should not be complacent.

“Vaccines are still the most important shield”: Being fully vaccinated not only protects you, but also reduces the spread in the community.

“Personal awareness is the first line of defense”: Keeping hands clean, wearing masks in crowded places, and boosting immunity are simple but very effective ways. When there are signs of suspicion, proactively isolate yourself, wear a mask, and avoid contact with relatives, especially the elderly and children.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bac-si-chia-se-cach-don-gian-de-chu-dong-phong-covid-19-185250606080713505.htm