During the period of an epidemic, people can easily be frightened and think that getting sick is unavoidable or take drastic measures to save themselves. The important thing is to research what the experts are saying and find out what different sources agree to keep you safe.
We at CreativeSide want to help you stay healthy during your health crisis, to share ways to stay healthy during an epidemic.
How Can We Keep Safe From Epidemics
1. Keep Sick Family Members At Home
One of the reasons people tend to get sick during the winter months is probably because cold weather generally brings them together in enclosed spaces, facilitating the spread of the disease. Knowing this, if you or a loved one already shows signs of illness, avoid going out in public. In more severe cases, sick people can be quarantined or isolated.
2. Medication Before Symptoms Appear
For people who are already taking medication for asthma or allergies, it may be a good idea to talk to your doctor about a premedication plan, which treats symptoms before they occur, to help prevent the risk of disease.
3. Sanitize Items That Are Regularly Used
Just as people should avoid going out in public when they get sick, it can be just as important for people in good health to avoid close contact with people who have visible symptoms. Likewise, you should regularly sanitize frequently touched items in your home or workplace, to avoid indirect contact with a sick person.
4. Cook Meat And Eggs Properly
Food can contain poisonous bacteria and can make people sick by eating or just touching it. Most foods, especially meat, poultry, fish, and eggs, must be cooked properly to kill this bacteria. Food should generally be cooked to approximately 75 ° C (167 ° F) or higher and should be at least 60 ° C (140 ° F) when consumed.
5. Avoid Contact With Wild Or Farm Animals
Various animals can carry harmful germs that can cause a variety of diseases in people. Known as zoonotic diseases, they can spread to the touch, bite, or even inhabit the same area as an animal.
Farm animals, as well as wild animals, can be dangerous to humans, especially during an epidemic. Whenever possible, avoid these animals. If contact with them is unavoidable, it is best to wash and sanitize your hands after dealing with them, their supplies, or the areas in which they live.
6. Clean Towels Immediately
People can get into the habit of reusing the same towel or washcloth to cut back on laundry, but this is not always safe. Towels can be a breeding ground for germs, especially when sick people use them. It is important for people to clean and replace towels in their shared spaces, such as in kitchens or bathrooms.
7. Stay Hydrated
When you feel bad, your body starts using more fluids than usual, so you can become dehydrated without realizing it. Drink about 8 cups of liquids a day, such as water, broth, fruit juice, milk, or decaf. In addition, you can also suck on ice cubes, ice pops, or use a humidifier. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks.
8. Stock Up On Supplies
If your area experiences an outbreak, you may not be able to leave your home. To prepare for this, it may be a good idea to stock up on food and water, about two weeks at a time.
Try to find non-perishable foods, such as boxed items and canned foods, that can be easily stored. Also, be sure to stock up on toilet paper, cleaning supplies, disposable tissues, pet food, sanitary items, and any medical supplies you may need, such as medicine.
9. Wear Gloves In Public
As mentioned, germs are often transmitted by hands. Wearing gloves and surgical masks can help, but you must wear them correctly. For gloves, it is important to remember that you can get germs on your hands when you remove your gloves.
Therefore, wash them regularly after taking them out, just like healthcare professionals. In fact, it is generally a good idea to wash your hands while wearing gloves. Also, shop around to find gloves that do ward off germs. Cheaper brands can allow bacteria to pass through the material.
10. Be Careful With Face Masks
In general, face masks are useful, but it has become very common for people to use them inappropriately. For starters, they really should be worn by people who already show signs of illness, and not healthy people, to prevent the spread of possible illness.
They are especially important for health professionals and people who care for others in closed spaces. When a face mask comes with a colored side, it should be the outer side and it is important to use it correctly to use the filter.
It is also important to regularly replace face masks after each use, in addition to cleaning your face and hands before and after each use.
11. Keep Up To Date On Information
There are all kinds of information on epidemics and what they can mean to you and the world at large. But the information available may be incorrect, out of context, or even politically motivated.
It is up to you to ensure that you use reliable and up-to-date sources that you can trust. Do your homework. For example, make sure that a claim is verified by more than one source.
What are some of the ways you would remain safe during an epidemic? Please share it with us in the comments!
Preview photo credit Shutterstock.com, Shutterstock.com
