Six tips for protecting yourself from COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019)

Here is a brief overview of some of the advice given from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and infection control experts, regarding how you can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (also known as the coronavirus, novel coronavirus, and coronavirus disease 2019) to reduce your risk of infecting others or becoming infected yourself.

Image by Carole Jakucs, 2020. Subject to copyright. 

Hand washing

Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean, running water for at least 20 seconds. Singing the song, "Happy Birthday" twice, which is about 20 seconds.

Make sure you rub all surfaces of both your hands under clear, running water and don't forget to include your fingertips, thumbs, tops of hands, palms and between your fingers.

If you're not near a sink with soap and running water, the next best way to clean your hands is by using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands, until you can get to a sink and wash your hands with soap and water.

Make sure you wash your hands before and after eating, using the bathroom, touching your eyes, nose and mouth or the rare venturing out of the house for necessities such as groceries.

Cover your coughs and sneezes

Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough and sneeze (a sleeve will do if you don't have a tissue and is better than nothing) then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.

Don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed (unclean) hands

If you don't heed this advice and your hands have infectious germs on them, you can make yourself sick (inoculate yourself) with COVID-19, other viruses and bacteria.

Stay home when advised to do so 

Heed the rules, guidelines and recommendations by your local, state and federal leaders and public health departments regarding sheltering in place. The current CDC Guidelines of 15 days to Slow the Spread is for the entire U.S. Some states that have greater numbers of COVID-19 infections such as New York, California and Washington, may have additional guidelines dictated by their local conditions on the ground.

If you're sick and have seen a physician and/or have had a known exposure, the current recommendation is to isolate yourself at home for at least 14 days (known as self-quarantine or self-isolation). Always follow the advise given to you by your physician. 

Practice social distancing 

When you do need to venture out of the house for groceries for example, ensure you maintain at least 6 feet of space between yourself and others. 

Disinfect suspected or confirmed contaminated and high-use surfaces

Make sure you frequently clean (using disinfectant solution or wipes) any and all surfaces that may be contaminated such as: Shopping cart handles, payment key pad surfaces at grocery or pharmacy check-outs, counter tops, door knobs, light switches, keyboards, cell phones, the steering wheel of your car, etc.just to name a few.

*This blog is not a comprehensive list of all you can do to protect yourself and others from getting COVID-19. Please visit the CDC and the National Institutes of Health for more information.

SevenTips for a Healthy Flight

Whether you are you flying to see family for the holidays, or are a frequent flyer for business, here are some tips to help you stay healthy on your trip. For additional info on general illness/flu prevention, see: http://carole-jakucs.blogspot.com/2011/10/8-tips-for-you-to-outsmart-flu-part-2.html.

1. Stay hydrated - Most people are so busy packing and closing up their homes in preparation for their trip, they forget to keep up their fluid intake prior to departure. Staying hydrated will help to prevent some illnesses from germs you encounter during your flight and trip.  Moist mucus membranes are better equipped to fight off germs.  Prior to and during your flight; limit your alcohol and caffeine intake as both of these make you urinate more and place you at risk for dehydration. Staying well hydrated helps to prevent DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and jet lag. Purchase a water bottle once you get past the security gate to have some extra on hand for your flight.
2. DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) Prevention- Flex and rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes every 30 minutes and get up out of your seat at least every 2 hours to help prevent blood from pooling in the veins of your feet and legs. Maintain all treatments already implemented by your physician if you are already at risk, for example, continue your daily dose of Aspirin (if you doctor has prescribed it), it’s so important especially when flying to help prevent a DVT. Keep up your water intake (as above).
3. Don’t drink alcohol on your flight- In addition to placing you at risk for dehydration and DVT; alcohol impairs your judgment and reaction time if there’s an emergency.
4. Pack your must haves in your carry-on bag- This includes any prescription and OTC (over the counter) medications you take, contact lenses, a small solution bottle, and your extra pair of eyeglasses.  Just in case your checked baggage gets delayed or lost, you will have your essentials with you. Additional info in a related article is at: http://carole-jakucs.blogspot.com/2011/07/healthy-travel-tips-1-bring-basics.html
5. Bring hand sanitizer - Starting with the dirty/germ laden bins we have to touch to place our shoes and personal items in, (and which are handled by countless people every day), or, for use prior to eating and after toileting, keep a small bottle hand in your pocket or carry-on bag to clean your hands when soap and water are not handy or in addition to soap and water for extra cleaning.
6. Bring anti-bacterial wipes- Bring a small pack in your carry-on bag and use it once you’re settled in your seat.  Wipe down your arm rests, seat belt and buckle, tray table and overhead light switches to remove germs prior to your touching these items.  *Bring an extra pack or 2 in your checked baggage for use in your hotel room to wipe down the TV remote, light switches, doorknobs and counter tops you will be touching.  Recent research has proven that these areas are fraught with germs.
7. Don’t drink ice on planes- There have been reports and controversy surrounding the safety and cleanliness of ice on planes.  In the interim, stick with chilled drinks or room temperature and no ice.