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Cold and damp weather is a time when infectious diseases are prone to attack and spread rapidly in the community. Especially now, the situation of acute respiratory infections caused by the new strain of the corona virus (nCoV) is complex with a high level of danger.
1. Key Principles for COVID-19 Prevention That Everyone Should Be Familiar With
Cold and damp weather is a period when infectious diseases can easily attack and spread quickly in the community. Particularly, the current situation of acute respiratory infections caused by the new strain of the corona virus (nCoV) is complex with a high level of danger. Therefore, each person needs to actively prevent the spread of the disease and pay more attention to their own and their family's health. To calmly overcome the 'shadow' of the pandemic, people need to pay attention to the following important principles for disease prevention.
Proper Personal Hygiene
Enhancing personal hygiene in the right way is also one of the simple ways to protect against virus transmission.
Rinse your mouth with specialized solutions or diluted saltwater at least 3 times a day: upon waking up, before going to bed, after returning from work, or after being in crowded places.
Avoid touching your face and regularly wash your hands with soap or a 75% alcohol-based sanitizer. When washing hands, scrub for at least 20 seconds under running water to thoroughly remove bacteria. According to Dr. Truong Huu Khanh, Head of Social Work and Pediatric Neurology Department at Children's Hospital 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, hands are in direct contact with body fluids; unintentionally touching eyes, nose, mouth, or handling objects can spread disease-causing viruses into the community.
Master’s Degree holder and physician Tran Thu Nguyet from the Vietnam Institute of Applied Medicine emphasizes that when coughing or sneezing, one should cover the mouth and nose with a medical mask, tissue, or elbow. This prevents respiratory droplets and secretions from spreading outward, clinging to surfaces, and transferring easily through hand contact.
Everyone needs to monitor their health daily. If symptoms like fever, cough, or sore throat are noticed, it is crucial to inform local healthcare facilities, schools, workplaces, or organizations where one studies or works. If diagnosed with a contagious disease, isolation and wearing a mask are necessary.
Wear a mask correctly
According to health experts, a regular medical mask is sufficient to prevent the coronavirus, as long as it meets two criteria: first, it adheres to the standard, and second, it is worn correctly.
Wearing a mask properly requires positioning the waterproof side outward to repel splashes. The moisture-absorbing white side should be turned inward to allow exhaled breath to be absorbed. Pull the mask to cover both the nose and mouth securely.
Absolutely refrain from touching the mask once it's on, as touching or adjusting it can transfer viruses and other disease-causing agents to your hands.
Medical masks are for single-use only; discard them in a lidded trash bin. When removing the mask, hold onto the ear loops, avoiding direct contact with the mask to prevent virus transmission and other contaminants to your hands. Wash hands with soap and clean water immediately after removing the mask.
Limiting exposure
Avoid going to crowded places. Do not travel to areas with outbreaks. In case you must visit crowded places, protect yourself by wearing appropriate clothing, using a mask, washing hands with sanitizer or soap, limiting contact and conversation with others, and maintaining a distance of at least 0.5-1m from others.
When in public places or restrooms, use your elbow or a clean tissue, napkin, or toilet paper to grab door handles. Dispose of the tissue in a lidded trash bin. If you touch door handles directly, wash your hands with soap or use hand sanitizer.
Avoid contact with individuals showing symptoms of acute respiratory infections (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) and wild animals without proper protective gear. Wear a medical mask correctly and maintain a distance of over 1 meter if in contact with an infected person.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also advises preventive measures against nCoV transmission in public markets, where extensive interactions occur, direct contact with various objects, especially currency – a widely circulated item handled by many. Concerned about this issue, many people are considering stocking up on food and essential supplies to reduce the frequency of visits to markets and supermarkets.
