The recent coronavirus pandemic has transformed the ways that people view illness in the U.S. and beyond. Health statistics state that chronically ill patients are at the highest risks of dying after getting infected. These include people who have serious underlying conditions like diabetes, heart disease, COPD, etc. Here are 4 steps that they can take to stay safe at home or in public.
Wear a Mask in Public
The second-best solution to fighting the coronavirus, besides staying at home, is to wear a mask in public. In the first few months of the crisis, many people either refused or didn’t see the benefits of wearing one. They thought that the problem would pass quickly. As a result, there were new surges in infections in the next following months. If you’re chronically ill, you cannot take chances with your health. Do not assume that it’s ever safe to avoid wearing a mask in a public place.
Avoid Getting Too Close to Others
Many people are known to get too close for comfort. During a pandemic, this close body behavior has to be reexamined and kept under control. Avoid people who walk or stand too close to you and avoid doing the same to others. If someone talks or coughs beside you, make a habit of turning your head or covering your mouth.
Strengthen Your Immune System
Whether there’s a health crisis or not, work on building your immune system as you get older. Eating healthy and exercising regularly are the two best ways to do it. Other techniques include using natural and herbal products, such as teas and probiotics, regularly. You’ll find these products at the drugstore and can order home deliveries.
Avoid Touching Things
People are advised to wash their hands frequently whenever they go out into public and touch objects. However, a wiser form of advice is to avoid touching things in the first place. Chronically ill people should remember that prevention is better than cure. Your best solution is to keep your hands to yourself. Wear gloves when necessary or wash your hands after repeatedly touching surfaces.
No one should make assumptions when a worldwide pandemic happens. When you’re chronically ill and already suffering with health problems, you cannot assume that your health can’t get any worse because it always can. Protect yourself from getting infected by a debilitating virus by following the CDC guidelines and stay updated about the stages of the pandemic.