Doctor shares simple ways to proactively prevent Covid-19

With the current signs of increasing Covid-19 cases, proactive disease prevention 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 - Branch 3, said below are some Covid-19 prevention measures that everyone can take.

Wear a mask when going out or coming into contact with others

Note, you should replace the mask after each use, or replace 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 often

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.

Increase indoor air circulation: Open windows and use fans to increase air circulation in the living space. Avoid staying in closed and 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 solution or disinfectant solution (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, keep distance

Keep a distance of at least 1-2 meters from others, especially when you or the other person shows signs of coughing 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 the prevention of Covid-19. However, steaming essential oils properly will bring many benefits."

Herbal essential oil steaming helps reduce colds, eliminate wind and cold, clear the respiratory tract, and is antibacterial.

Photo: AI

According to Dr. Chau, essential oil steaming 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.

Herbal essential oil steaming helps reduce colds, eliminate wind and cold, clear the respiratory tract, fight bacteria, reduce stress, calm the mind, help sleep well, 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-1 hour each time, 1-2 times/day.

Note: Place the device in a well-ventilated area, avoid steaming for too long or steaming 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.

"Do not be negligent"

The two doctors recommend that the following three groups of people need priority protection:

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 to 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 soon. Children under 2 years old should not be given steam or essential oil 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 with 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 viral infection, is susceptible to acute respiratory failure, and has a more severe underlying medical condition 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