How to protect yourself against coronavirus during Holi 2022

Covid 19- Coronavirus outbreak is already scaring everyone across the globe. And, as we are getting closer to celebrating Holi 2022, the news of positive Coronavirus cases are likely to dampen the Holi celebrations.

In Holi, when people are prone to catch minor infections and other allergies due to change of season, the possibility of getting sick with this new virus is quite high. People have already started scrambling to safeguard themselves and now it's your turn to know what should be done and how you may protect you and your family from Coronavirus, and enjoy a safe Holi festival.

But before that let’s understand what coronavirus is and what are the coronavirus symptoms.

What is coronavirus (COVID 19)?

As per WHO report, coronavirus (CoV) are from a large family of viruses, called Coronaviridae, which causes respiratory illness such as cold, cough, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS- CoV).

Causes of coronavirus

COVID-19 virus was linked to animals but now it is spreading among people. Any person who is in contact with an infected COVID-19 person may easily get infected through respiratory droplets.

A person can possibly catch Coronavirus if they touch their mouth, eyes or nose after touching the object or surface that has the presence of this virus. It is reported that coronavirus can survive for a few minutes or hours on surfaces, thus there is a least possibility that people may catch it through food products that are frozen or refrigerated or packed and shipped over a period of day or weeks.

Common coronavirus symptoms

Fever,
Cough,
Dyspnea or shortness of breath,
Breathing difficulties
Headache
Diarrhea
Kidney Failure
Coughing up mucus or blood
Muscle pain

How likely are you to get the Coronavirus?

Despite the confirmed cases reported around the world, the WHO shares that if you have not come in contact with a coronavirus positive person or have not travelled to a place where the virus has spread or spreading, then there are less chances that you will get infected with this dreadful virus.

However, as the positive cases are increasing and Holi is round the corner, there are more chances that you meet, greet or come in contact with infected people. It is recommended that you follow some basic hygiene and preventive measures in order to protect yourselves from falling ill. So let’s discuss what are the 7 most important coronavirus precautions through which you may prevent any illness and enjoy this festival of colors to the fullest.

7 Ways To Protect Yourself From The Coronavirus In Holi 2022.

There are lots of facts swirling around the Internet about coronavirus prevention but not everything available digitally is true. Here are the 7 measures recommended by WHO coronavirus advisory for preventing coronavirus from entering your family..

1.Wash Your Hands Frequently

Washing your hands is a basic personal hygiene that you need to practice every day. Wash your hands frequently with soap and running water when it is visibly dirty. If your hands are not dirty visibly then clean it frequently with hand sanitizer or alcohol based hand rub or soap.

When to wash your hands?

After sneezing or coughing
Taking care of sick people in your family.
Before and After cooking or preparing food.
Before eating
After using the toilet.
After handling or touching animals or animal waste.

2.Avoid Touching Your Face

Avoid touching your Nose, Mouth and Eyes frequently. These are the places from where the microorganisms enter your body easily and frequently. Although, in Holi, it is common to smear your loved ones with Gulal or other Holi colours, it is better to play with home made colours or the colours that can be easily removed. Do not forget to apply coconut oil or cream over your face before and after playing with colours.

3.Avoid Crowd or Crowded Place

It is really common to catch infection when you are in a group or a crowd. Thus, on Holi, it is advised to not go in the crowd or come in contact with people who are sick or have cold, cough or any other respiratory issues. During the Holi festival celebration, it is unavoidable to meet new people, therefore It is better if you keep at least 1 meter distance from everyone who is sick. Also, do not touch or use the things that are used by people with cough and cold.

4.Cover Your Face

Cover your face with a tissue whenever you sneeze or cough. It should be kept in mind that you discard the tissue in the bin immediately after use.

If you do not have any tissue near to you, then cough or sneeze into your flexed elbow or upper sleeve. Always wash or clean your hands after sneezing, with or without tissue.

You may also use a mask to cover your mouth, only if you can tolerate or be able to breath through it.

Moreover, while playing Holi, try to save your face from all the possible colours attack. If it is not possible to do so, then the best way is to keep your lips and eyes tightly shut so that you may not breath any colour within yourself.

5.Keep Respiratory Hygiene

If you are allergic to Holi colours, say big “No” to Holi, especially inorganic or greasy colours. It is better to avoid playing with Gulal or drench in a splash of Holi colours if you are suffering from cold, cough or any sort of allergy.

In case you are prone to falling sick frequently, then the best measure is to play with dry Holi colours that are organic or made of natural colours. Avoiding cold drinks and icecreams may help you to immune from getting a cough and cold soon. Moreover, staying at home in fever or cold is the best measure. While travelling during Holi, remember some travel hacks such as keeping your car windows shut and distancing from the frenzied group of mobs, if you take to the streets.

6.Practice Food Hygiene

Food hygiene is a must while preparing for the Holi festival at your home. If you are a non-vegetarian, use different chopping boards and knives for cooked foods and raw meat. Do not eat any sick animals or animals that have died of diseases. It is suggested to eat fresh, clean and thoroughly cooked food every time.

7.Seek Medical Help

There is no coronavirus treatment that may save you from this deadly disease. Thus, the foremost step that you need to follow is consulting a doctor. As soon as you encounter any symptoms or feel sick or face any respiratory issues or infections, do not panic. Prefer consulting your doctor immediately. Do not hide anything. Share every detail including any previous travel history, if any, so that they may diagnose your disease correctly.

Note: Using or preferring any random remedy over medical help may only worsen your immune and health condition.