On 23^rd March 2020, the Government of India announced a nationwide lockdown for 21 days in a bid to curb the accelerated spread of COVID-19 in the country. With the entire world grappling with efforts to contain the disease, this lockdown was implemented in an effort to break the chain of this viral infection.

After that, the second wave in India showed its lethality from the beginning of March 2021 with a rapid surge till May 2021. Following the second wave, India witnessed the 3rd wave in 2022, which plateaued in January and started declining from 21st January 2022. As per the latest update in January 2023, the current number of COVID cases in India is around 4.47 crores.

It is, thus, now more important than ever for each individual to adopt protective measures to ensure their own safety, as well as, that of those in their vicinity. Following is an elaboration on how the disease spreads, who is more likely to get infected and how you can protect yourself from it.

To understand how to protect yourself from coronavirus, it is crucial to learn how the disease spreads.

Primarily, the spread of the virus can be attributed to a person-to-person contamination. This can happen in two ways:

• By being in close contact with an infected person (at a distance of 6 feet or less).
• Through the respiratory droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land on your mouth and nose and in turn be inhaled into your lungs.

Apart from this, you also stand the chance of being infected by coming into contact of a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching your own nose, mouth or eyes.

The rapid transmission of the disease is one of the biggest causes of concern when it comes to containing it. Further, while healthy, young individuals are relatively at a lesser risk of getting infected, studies find that COVID-19 can be especially dangerous and even fatal for elderly individuals, and those with underlying health conditions.

Following is a look at how senior citizens, infants and those with underlying health conditions can adopt measures to protect themselves.

Shortly before declaring the novel coronavirus disease a pandemic, the WHO had issued an advisory to the public regarding the safety measures they can adopt to protect themselves against contracting the infection.

As per these safety measures, below are some of these tips that you can follow to protect yourself from contracting the disease:

Wash/Disinfect Your Hands Often

Wash your hands thoroughly, and as often as possible, with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you do not have access to soap and water, use a 60% alcohol-based sanitizer to disinfect your hands. Follow this measure strictly after using the bathroom, eating, sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose.

Also, refrain from touching your mouth, nose or eyes with unwashed hands.

Practice Social Isolation

With lockdown in place, the government has issued strict orders to practice social isolation. This includes maintaining at least a 6 feet distance from other people, avoiding contact with people who are sick and remaining in isolation if you are sick.

Restrict Your Travels

It is crucial for you to ensure that you restrict your travels until the pandemic has been contained. Amidst the lockdown, the government has suspended all travels in India and has advised individuals not to leave their homes unless for an emergency. This is one of the most important tips to follow, to protect yourself from contracting this disease.

Now, while these are a few generic protective measures suggested by WHO and other such bodies, you must also be aware of how the disease spreads to exercise maximum protection against its spread.

Take a look!

As per reports procured from China, one of the worst coronavirus-hit nations in the world, the death toll from the virus was significantly high among geriatrics above 60 years of age and higher for those above 80 years of age.

Thus, those belonging to this age group, especially with underlying health problems like diabetes, asthma, hypertension, etc. must adopt stringent measures to protect themselves from the virus.

While following the tips above is important, they must also undertake these additional steps to minimise the chances of contamination:

• Stock up on essentials and food items to minimise your need to leave your house. If you’re living with family, let one person be responsible for the same.
• Even though face masks are only recommended for those infected by COVID-19 or those caring for someone who is sick, it is advisable for elderly individuals to use them if they need to step outside, or are living with people who are sick. In this regard, it is important to ensure that the masks are of N95 variety.
• If you are above 60 years, you must ensure that you are following a proper diet and exercising regularly at your home while on lockdown. This way, you ensure that you remain healthy during this period of self-isolation.
• Finally, if you feel sick, and identify any symptoms of the novel coronavirus disease, you must contact your doctor immediately since the infection can develop and become serious very quickly.

Read more: Find out what is covered in Health Insurance for COVID 19

Even though the current strain of coronavirus seems to be much milder in children and infants, parents should nonetheless be cautious and undertake measures to ensure safety for their kids.

• Since it is impossible to keep children from touching their face, you must make sure that their hands are clean at all times.
• You should disinfect and wipe down the surfaces that children frequently touch, including their toys and their rooms.
• If your child has asthma or is immune-compromised, you must look out for coronavirus symptoms and report the same to your medical caregiver immediately.
• If your child is coughing or sneezing, teach them to do so in the inside of their elbow or in a tissue and dispose of it immediately after use.
• Keep your kids isolated from crowds but make sure they are engaged in activities.

Those with conditions like diabetes, asthma, heart conditions and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases must ensure that they are practising complete self-isolation during this period of uncertainty.

Those living with their family must also make sure that they are maintaining at least 6 feet distance from them, especially from those who are coughing, sneezing or displaying symptoms of the virus.

The spread of the disease can only be controlled if every individual undertakes these precautionary measures and implements the recommended tips for personal protection.