A pandemic is a worldwide epidemic that spreads quickly and can affect large numbers of people. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Before the current pandemic, the most famous one was the Spanish Flu, which killed 50 million people and infected an estimated 500 million more between 1918-1919.
And two years after the current pandemic started, you may already know what to do to stay safe from it. But with the number of variants coming out, you should stay updated on the steps to take to avoid infection. Here are the things you should do to stay healthy during a pandemic.
Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
If you’re using tissues, use them once and then throw them away. Don’t put them in your pocket or bag if you have one with you; otherwise, grab a new one. If there is no tissue available, cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm instead. This way, you won’t accidentally infect yourself with the virus.
Wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer frequently.
The latter can be applied to the hands without direct contact, but make sure it doesn’t cause any type of irritation before using it. Hand sanitizers are usually alcohol-based, which is what makes them have that tingling sensation on your skin when you use them. Try to avoid using sanitizer that contains moisturizers if your skin is easily irritated and prone to dryness, like in the winter or a cold climate.
The most effective method of removing harmful germs is with soap and water because it removes dirt and sweat too, which can further irritate your hands.
Stay indoors as much as possible so you don’t accidentally come into contact with any infected people.
Avoid public transportation and confined spaces, where the virus can spread quickly. Go out only when you need to. And if you do have to go outside, wear a face mask. Wearing a mask is the best way for you to avoid getting infected by the virus.
If you find out that you came into contact with an infected person, you should go through a rapid antigen test. But you should also go through the test if you are experiencing the symptoms of the virus, such as coughing, loss of the sense of smell, runny nose, sore throat, and fever, among others.
Get enough rest to avoid getting exhausted.
To stay healthy during a pandemic, it is important to get enough rest. This is because rest allows your body to repair itself and boosts your immune system. It’s especially important to get enough sleep if you’re experiencing the symptoms of the virus, such as coughing, loss of the sense of smell, runny nose, sore throat, and fever.
So make sure you go to bed early if you need to and take advantage of napping during the day. Sleeping during the day is still fine as long as it doesn’t affect your work schedule and other plans for the day. And if you find yourself exhausted, don’t be afraid to take a nap. Just make sure you set an alarm so you don’t sleep longer than you should.
Have a healthy diet to prevent diseases.
Proper eating habits are also essential to stay healthy. By eating a balanced diet, you can avoid getting sick, which means you’re much better off than those who are suffering from malnutrition. Protein is one of the nutrients that your body needs for overall health and performance, but it’s especially important during an epidemic because it helps in the repair and recuperation of cells, tissues, and organs.
Getting enough protein just means you’re getting enough of all the nutrients that help your body with cell regeneration. Again, this isn’t just important during an epidemic; it’s just as important when living a normal life to stay healthy and maintain a good weight.
Exercise whenever possible to improve your cardiovascular health.
Aside from getting enough sleep and eating a well-balanced diet, you should also exercise regularly to stay healthy during a pandemic. Getting enough physical activity makes sure that your heart rate is up and boosts its efficiency in circulating blood throughout the body. This helps circulate antibodies and white blood cells so they can fight the virus more effectively.
Exercising also helps you feel better, as it releases endorphins, the chemicals responsible for making you happy and relieving stress. So as much as possible, try to do at least 30 minutes of cardio every day to stay healthy during a pandemic—or any other time.
The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus is by following these simple steps: stay indoors as much as possible, avoid public transportation and confined spaces, make sure you get enough rest, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly. By doing all of this, you’ll be less likely to come into contact with the virus and increase your chances of staying healthy during a pandemic.