Tips to Protect Yourself from Coronavirus

Exclusive

Wellness Benefits

24*7 Claims

Support

Tax Savings

u/s 80D

Zero Paperwork Online Process

Pin Code

+91 Enter Mobile Number

Try agian later

I agree to the Terms & Conditions

Port My Policy

Download Policy

(Incl 18% GST)

A Detailed Guide about the Tips to Protect Yourself from Coronavirus

On 23^rd March 2020, the Government of India announced a nationwide lockdown for 21 days in a bid to curb the accelerated spread of COVID-19 in the country. With the entire world grappling with efforts to contain the disease, this lockdown was implemented in an effort to break the chain of this viral infection.

After that, the second wave in India showed its lethality from the beginning of March 2021 with a rapid surge till May 2021. Following the second wave, India witnessed the 3rd wave in 2022, which plateaued in January and started declining from 21st January 2022. As per the latest update in January 2023, the current number of COVID cases in India is around 4.47 crores.

It is, thus, now more important than ever for each individual to adopt protective measures to ensure their own safety, as well as, that of those in their vicinity. Following is an elaboration on how the disease spreads, who is more likely to get infected and how you can protect yourself from it.

How does Coronavirus Spread?

To understand how to protect yourself from coronavirus, it is crucial to learn how the disease spreads.

Primarily, the spread of the virus can be attributed to a person-to-person contamination. This can happen in two ways:

By being in close contact with an infected person (at a distance of 6 feet or less).
Through the respiratory droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land on your mouth and nose and in turn be inhaled into your lungs.

Apart from this, you also stand the chance of being infected by coming into contact of a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching your own nose, mouth or eyes.

The rapid transmission of the disease is one of the biggest causes of concern when it comes to containing it. Further, while healthy, young individuals are relatively at a lesser risk of getting infected, studies find that COVID-19 can be especially dangerous and even fatal for elderly individuals, and those with underlying health conditions.

Following is a look at how senior citizens, infants and those with underlying health conditions can adopt measures to protect themselves.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Contracting Coronavirus

Shortly before declaring the novel coronavirus disease a pandemic, the WHO had issued an advisory to the public regarding the safety measures they can adopt to protect themselves against contracting the infection.

As per these safety measures, below are some of these tips that you can follow to protect yourself from contracting the disease:

Wash/Disinfect Your Hands Often

Wash your hands thoroughly, and as often as possible, with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you do not have access to soap and water, use a 60% alcohol-based sanitizer to disinfect your hands. Follow this measure strictly after using the bathroom, eating, sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose.

Also, refrain from touching your mouth, nose or eyes with unwashed hands.

Practice Social Isolation

With lockdown in place, the government has issued strict orders to practice social isolation. This includes maintaining at least a 6 feet distance from other people, avoiding contact with people who are sick and remaining in isolation if you are sick.

Restrict Your Travels

It is crucial for you to ensure that you restrict your travels until the pandemic has been contained. Amidst the lockdown, the government has suspended all travels in India and has advised individuals not to leave their homes unless for an emergency. This is one of the most important tips to follow, to protect yourself from contracting this disease.

Now, while these are a few generic protective measures suggested by WHO and other such bodies, you must also be aware of how the disease spreads to exercise maximum protection against its spread.

Take a look!

Tips for Senior Citizens to Protect Themselves from Coronavirus

As per reports procured from China, one of the worst coronavirus-hit nations in the world, the death toll from the virus was significantly high among geriatrics above 60 years of age and higher for those above 80 years of age.

Thus, those belonging to this age group, especially with underlying health problems like diabetes, asthma, hypertension, etc. must adopt stringent measures to protect themselves from the virus.

While following the tips above is important, they must also undertake these additional steps to minimise the chances of contamination:

Stock up on essentials and food items to minimise your need to leave your house. If you’re living with family, let one person be responsible for the same.
Even though face masks are only recommended for those infected by COVID-19 or those caring for someone who is sick, it is advisable for elderly individuals to use them if they need to step outside, or are living with people who are sick. In this regard, it is important to ensure that the masks are of N95 variety.
If you are above 60 years, you must ensure that you are following a proper diet and exercising regularly at your home while on lockdown. This way, you ensure that you remain healthy during this period of self-isolation.
Finally, if you feel sick, and identify any symptoms of the novel coronavirus disease, you must contact your doctor immediately since the infection can develop and become serious very quickly.

Read more: Find out what is covered in Health Insurance for COVID 19

Tips to Protect Infants and Children from Contracting Coronavirus

Even though the current strain of coronavirus seems to be much milder in children and infants, parents should nonetheless be cautious and undertake measures to ensure safety for their kids.

Since it is impossible to keep children from touching their face, you must make sure that their hands are clean at all times.
You should disinfect and wipe down the surfaces that children frequently touch, including their toys and their rooms.
If your child has asthma or is immune-compromised, you must look out for coronavirus symptoms and report the same to your medical caregiver immediately.
If your child is coughing or sneezing, teach them to do so in the inside of their elbow or in a tissue and dispose of it immediately after use.
Keep your kids isolated from crowds but make sure they are engaged in activities.

Who must Practice Complete Self-Isolation During this Disease?

Those with conditions like diabetes, asthma, heart conditions and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases must ensure that they are practising complete self-isolation during this period of uncertainty.

Those living with their family must also make sure that they are maintaining at least 6 feet distance from them, especially from those who are coughing, sneezing or displaying symptoms of the virus.

The spread of the disease can only be controlled if every individual undertakes these precautionary measures and implements the recommended tips for personal protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

All

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

Some of the symptoms of COVID-19 include:

Dry cough
Fever
Phlegm
Shortness of breath

Severe cases:

Pneumonia
Respiratory trouble

Can using face masks prevent the spread of coronavirus?

There is no conclusive evidence that face masks can prevent the spread of the disease. The WHO has, in fact, recommended the use of masks to those infected by the disease or to those taking care of an infected person.

Are children more at a risk from the disease?

No, children are relatively safer from the novel coronavirus disease, as compared to elderly individuals.

What is the maximum cost of a coronavirus screening test?

Private labs can charge up to Rs.1500 for this initial test. Keep in mind that the actual price may be lower than this cap.

Latest News

Currently there are no news to show.

Renew & Download Policy Document, Check Challan, Credit Score, PUC & more

43K+ Reviews

4.7

Rated App

43K+ Reviews

7K+ Reviews

4.4

Rated App

7K+ Reviews

Download the App

CIN: U66010PN2016PLC167410, IRDAI Reg. No. 158.

Go Digit General Insurance Limited (formerly known as Oben General Insurance Ltd.) - Registered Office Address - 1 to 6 floors, Ananta One (AR One), Pride Hotel Lane, Narveer Tanaji Wadi, City Survey No.1579, Shivaji Nagar, Pune-411005, Maharashtra | Corporate Office Address - Atlantis, 95, 4th B Cross Road, Koramangala Industrial Layout, 5th Block, Bengaluru-560095, Karnataka | Trade logo of Go Digit General Insurance Ltd. displayed above belongs to Go Digit lnfoworks Services Private Limited and is provided and used by Go Digit General Insurance Ltd. under license.