The outbreak of the Covid-19 virus has made it pretty clear that airborne diseases have the tendency to seriously harm humankind. According to data from Worldometers, up to 6.4 million people in the world have died from this virus to date. Such alarming figures emphasize the need to protect oneself from airborne diseases.
Such infections are spread when individuals with certain illnesses, such as the common cold and flu sneeze, talk, cough, or spew secretions into the air, and healthy people breathe in. The secretions contain viruses or bacteria and may stay in the air or on surfaces for much longer. When you breathe in the germs, they reside in your body and weaken you. In this discussion, we look at ten things you need to do today to protect yourself from airborne diseases. Keep reading;
1. Wash Your Hands Regularly
Germs may settle on surfaces and can easily get into your mouth, nose, and eyes if you touch these areas. One of the best ways to protect yourself from airborne diseases is to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly.
Usually, soapy water can kill germs and prevent them from spreading to your eyes, mouth, and nose. If you are traveling, ensure you have a sanitizing solution in your bag to clean your hands and kill germs.
2. Avoid Touching Your Nose, Mouth, and Eyes
Avoid touching your face, nose, or eyes unnecessarily. It's one of the most common ways that illnesses are spread. If you must touch your face, ensure your hands are clean. Be sure to wash your hands after touching door knobs, pet food, or garbage because germs are likely to be found in these areas.
3. Use An Air Purifier
You can protect yourself from airborne diseases by using air purifiers. As noted, germs may linger longer in the air. An air purifier helps create a healthier indoor environment and reduces the risk of infection. It also provides relief if you have allergies or asthma.
4. Wear a Facemask
Wearing a facemask is a simple way of preventing airborne disease germs from getting into your mouth and nose. A face mask filters out harmful air germs, preventing them from getting into the lungs. It also helps reduce the spread of infection since it taps drops after you cough or sneeze.
5. Be Immunized
Immunization can protect you from infection because the body produces antibodies that fight viruses and bacteria. Notably, antibodies are proteins that recognize and fight germs that cause diseases. Immunization also helps to protect vulnerable people around you from getting infected. These include small children and pregnant women with weak immune systems.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guides the administration of vaccines and immunization. Flu shots can also protect you from getting airborne diseases like seasonal influenza, especially during the cold weather season.
6. Use an Antiseptic Spray or Sanitizing Solution
Airborne disease particles can settle on surfaces, and upon touching these surfaces, you may become infected. An antiseptic spray and sanitizing liquids can kill germs on surfaces and curb infection.
The solutions provide an additional layer of defense against diseases by killing bacteria and viruses. You can use these solutions on countertops and door hands to help keep your home or office free of harmful germs.
7. Don't Go Outside
There are multiple health risks associated with going outdoors when it comes to airborne diseases. Outside, you're likely to be exposed to all manner of viruses, bacteria, and pathogens that cause diseases. Whereas it may be impossible to protect yourself fully, staying indoors can help prevent infection, especially when there's a rise in airborne diseases. It also helps prevent contact with infection sources and reduces the risk of infection.
8. Practice Good Health Habits
Developing good health habits are vital to protect yourself from airborne diseases. These include eating a healthy diet. A nutritional meal plan helps boost your immune system and makes you more resistant to infection. Working out can also help improve your health by boosting blood circulation. It allows your body to better fight off any infection.
9. Reduce Contact With Infected People
Nobody wants to get ill; however, sometimes, it's unavoidable. One way to protect yourself from getting sick is by reducing contact with infected people. It can be difficult, especially if they are your family members living in the same house. However, you can minimize contact even while staying in the same house. If you have a spacious dwelling, allow the infected person to sleep in a separate room. If you must be in close proximity, be sure to wear a facemask.
Ensure your house is well-ventilated by opening the windows during the day. Good air circulation helps dilute the particles' concentration, thereby preventing infection.
10. Take Out A Health Insurance Policy
Health is important for everyone, especially those with a weak immune system. If you have an existing chronic condition, the chances of opportunistic infections like airborne diseases are high. One way to protect yourself from the adverse effects of these unexpected infections is to take out health insurance.
Such coverage can reduce the risk of paying expensive medical bills in case of infection. In addition, a health insurance policy can help you get preventive care, including vaccination.
Before taking out the policy, it's important to understand the scope of coverage because this can impact the amount you pay as a premium. Likewise, note that most policies have excursions and coinsurance clauses. So understanding the difference between deductible and out of pocket is vital in choosing a health insurance policy that will meet your needs.
Conclusion
Airborne diseases are caused by tiny particles that are often invisible to the naked eye. These particles come from coughs, talks, or sneezes and can stay suspended in the air for a long period. In closed rooms such as airplanes, offices, or classrooms, the germs can circulate and cause infections. Protecting yourself by covering your mouth and nose and washing your hands regularly is important. Taking the above precautions can help keep yourself healthy and safe from airborne disease.
About the Author
Kirsten Thomas is a health and fitness enthusiast who loves to travel and is passionate about learning new emerging trends in wellness. Her next goals include being an event speaker for successful women in the fitness industry and writing her own book.