As the new Coronavirus is spreading around the world, in some areas faster than in others, we also learn more about the threat the virus poses to our health, and most importantly: how to avoid it.
How COVID-19 Spreads
COVID-19 spreads primarily through the air. When an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes they release respiratory particles — from large droplets to tiny aerosols — that others can inhale; aerosols can linger in poorly ventilated indoor spaces for minutes to hours, and close contact carries the highest risk. The virus can also survive on hard surfaces such as stainless steel or glass for up to 2–3 days under typical indoor conditions, but real-world transmission from surfaces is considered uncommon compared with airborne spread. Either way, good hand hygiene remains a sensible precaution.
Most Important: Frequent Hand Washing
Frequent hand washing is one of the most effective means of prevention. It is particularly important to wash hands after coughing or sneezing, following contact with someone who is unwell, and before preparing food & eating. Ideally, hands should be washed thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, ensuring to scrub the entire surface of each hand, including between the fingers and under the fingernails.
The main portals in which the virus can be transmitted through, is the mouth, nose and eyes, which can act as gateways for the virus to enter the body. Be mindful to avoid touching these parts of your face, and ensure hands have been washed/sanitized before doing so.
Whilst out and about, it’s advisable to carry a hand sanitizer with you to use, and to take extra care to disinfect surfaces within the home.
Respiratory Hygiene
In addition to practising good hand hygiene, practising good respiratory hygiene is another way to protect both yourself and others. Respiratory Hygiene pertains to measures taken to limit the transmission of respiratory viruses through person to person contact. Such measures include; covering your mouth & nose when coughing/sneezing – either using your elbow or (ideally) a tissue (which should then be immediately disposed of), washing your hands after coughing/sneezing and stepping away to maintain distance from others when coughing/sneezing in public spaces.
Protect Your Immune System
Although not solely related to Coronavirus prevention, maintaining a healthy immune system will be beneficial in protection against picking up bugs, and contracting the flu. (Read more about Flu Prevention & Vaccination here).
Some ways to strengthen your immune system (and staying healthy in general) include:
- Eating a healthy, nutritious diet, high in fruits & vegetables
- Getting adequate sleep
- Being physically active
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Limiting stress & taking care of ones mental health
- Intravenous Vitamin Therapy
A Note From The Team At Tel Aviv Doctor
If you are exhibiting symptoms of the Coronavirus, remain at home and seek medical advice over the phone. Please DO NOT go to visit the doctor – doing so could result in putting the public at risk. People in the Doctor’s waiting room will be there because they are sick themselves, this means that they will already be in a compromised condition, therefore making them extra susceptible to becoming more unwell.
Common symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of smell or taste, sore throat, fatigue and headache. Symptoms vary by variant and vaccination status and this list is not exhaustive; many overlap with influenza, so testing is the reliable way to tell them apart.
Coronavirus in Israel: Resources and Info
In the first weeks of the Coronavirus spreading around the world, we updated this blogpost with the latest info and links to official resources regarding the Coronavirus in Israel.
