Can You Protect Yourself Against Viruses?

Viruses are much smaller than cells and just capsules containing genetic materials.

Viruses live everywhere. You can find viruses in the air, on the foods you consume, from various plants and animals or water and bare soil, and on just about every other surface, including your body.

Some viruses won’t harm you because your immune system protects you from infectious agents. However, some viruses are potent, and they constantly mutate to breach your immune systems' defense.

Therefore, knowing how these viruses work can increase your chances of avoiding the infections. Here are ways through which you can protect yourself against the virus.

 

Regularly washing of hands

Keeping your hands clean always is the best way to keep off bacteria and viruses. Frequently use warm water and soap when cleaning your hands, or you can use alcohol-based rub if water and soap are not available.

Hand hygiene is the most preferred number one way of protecting yourself from viruses.

 

Covering of coughs and Sneezes/ cough etiquette

Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing using a handkerchief, tissue, or by your elbows. When you cover using your hands, be ready to wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds or by using an alcohol-based rub.

 

Sanitization of the surrounding

Usually, follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding cleaning products. Every product has a timeframe by which the surface must be wet to proper.

Clean touch surfaces regularly or as recommended, and if surfaces are dirty, clean them using detergents or soap using water before disinfection.

 

Always stay hydrated

Drinking enough water is essential for your general health. When you drink enough water, it keeps your skin moist, essential to skin protection.

Dry skin might have small gaps in the skin barriers that allow the entry of bacteria and germs. Properly hydrated skin retains pliability and rarely becomes chapped, scaly, or flaky.

Therefore, you need to use the right moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or coconut oil and apply it to the damp skin. This keeps the moisture in the skin, preventing the skin from cracking, and protects you against viruses.

 

Staying indoors

The safest way to avoid contact with people is to stay at home. Also, it helps you to avoid public or crowded places. By this, you avoid meeting people who are sick.

If you have to meet someone, maintain 6- feet in between that person, especially if you are one with a higher risk of contracting the viruses.

 

Sources:

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/in-depth/germs/art-20045289#:~:text=You%20can%20prevent%20infections%20through,vaccinations%2C%20and%20taking%20appropriate%20medications.

2. https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-and-beauty/skin-care-101/protect-your-skin.aspx

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279364/

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