That Thing Called 2019-nCov : Should We Be Alarmed

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### 10 February 2019 The United Arab Emirates announced the 8th confirmed case of the new coronavirus infection in the country, which is an Indian national who had interacted with a recently diagnosed person.(wam.ae) The news as we hear from all across the globe has been alarming. Life in affected countries especially China has been different ever since. Check out World Health Organization's latest Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) situation report as of 11 February 2020 here: ### Our Greatest Defense **Awareness.** It is best that we equip ourselves with the latest and correct information about the virus from legitimate sources. There are lots of misleading information that could linger around the world-wide-web, especially in social media.It is best that we validate information before sharing to avoid misinformation and causing alarm to others. Here are some of the reminders from the Authorities on how to take care and possibly avoid getting infected: 1. > **Wash your hands frequently**. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub if your hands are not visibly dirty. 2. >**Practice respiratory hygiene**. When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – discard tissue immediately into a closed bin and clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. 3. >**Maintain social distancing** Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and other people, particularly those who are coughing, sneezing and have a fever. 4. >**Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth**. Hands touch many surfaces which can be contaminated with the virus. If you touch your eyes, nose or mouth with your contaminated hands, you can transfer the virus from the surface to yourself. 5. > **Seek medical care early.** If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, do not delay seeking medical care. Tell your health care provider if you have traveled in an area in China where 2019-nCoV has been reported, or if you have been in close contact with someone with who has traveled from China and has respiratory symptoms. 6.Protect yourself and others from getting sick _{Source: World Health Organization - Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus} **Boost Your Immune System** Coming off from the 6th point above, I have personally taken some steps to protect our family.

First, we try to avoid crowded places as much as we can. There are some times when it cannot be avoided so we educate the family of the above precautions. Apart from regularly reminding the kids to wash their hands frequently and observing proper hygiene, I have also made our own Vitamin C "arsenal". Lol.

I have made a honey and lemon concoction which we take regularly. This is in addition to the Vitamin C supplements we also have. Of course, eating healthy food like fruits and vegetables is a must. We have also stocked up on face masks which we ask the kids to wear especially when they have mild cough so that they do not spread the infection around. ### Video Resources _{(credits: WHO)} Let me share below video clips from the World Health Organization (WHO) website, to shed more light about this new virus. **Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)** https://youtu.be/mOV1aBVYKGA **How to protect yourself and others:** https://youtu.be/bPITHEiFWLc Finally, let me just say on a personal note that the news is alarming but to panic does not help resolve the situation. Instead, let us stay vigilant and be aware. Equip ourselves with the proper knowledge and of course pray that everything will be alright. The governments are doing their best to address the issue. Hopefully the virus gets contained soonest and does not infect the larger population any more. Stay safe, people! ❤️️, Arlyn
Originally posted here: https://steemit.com/health/@arrliinn/that-thing-called-2019-ncov-should-we-be-alarmed