The Numbers That Reduce Coronavirus Risk

Scientists are sharing promising news about treatment for the Coronavirus affecting the entire world. Although research continues at full intensity, implementing protection methods against coronavirus (Covid-19) is vital. In making the protection recommendations that experts regularly stress effective, attention to their duration and frequency plays a key role! For example; washing hands for 20 seconds, maintaining a distance of at least 3-4 steps in social settings! So, what measures should we take against coronavirus, at what frequency and for how long? Acıbadem Adana Hospital Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Gamze Uçar explained 10 effective ways to protect against coronavirus and provided important recommendations and warnings.

Wash your hands by rubbing for 20 seconds

Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Gamze Uçar notes that one of the most effective ways to protect against coronavirus is to pay attention to hand hygiene and continues: "Never neglect washing your hands frequently, with plenty of water and soap, rubbing for at least 20 seconds. You don't need to use soap containing antiseptic or antibacterial agents; regular soap will be sufficient. In situations where water and soap are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers."

Minimum 60 percent

Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Gamze Uçar warns that "products used for hand hygiene must contain a minimum of 60 percent alcohol to have disinfectant properties" and emphasizes that besides hand antiseptic, colognes containing 80-90 percent alcohol are also effective for hand hygiene. "However, these products do not protect your hands more than cleaning with water and soap. Therefore, it is very important that you frequently wash your hands thoroughly with plenty of soapy water," she says.

Do not touch 3 areas

Coronavirus spreads through inhalation of droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing. Additionally, touching your mouth, nose or eyes with unwashed hands after touching surfaces contaminated with respiratory particles is also very risky. Therefore, be careful not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth with dirty hands.

Maintain at least 3-4 steps distance

Droplets released into the environment by coughing or sneezing can remain suspended in the air for 3 hours. For this reason, avoid crowded spaces; if you must be in them, cover your mouth and nose. Do not shake hands, hug or kiss to greet others. Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Gamze Uçar also emphasizes that you need to make it a habit to stand at least 3-4 steps (1.5 meters) away when communicating with people.

Use only once

During coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue. If you don't have a tissue, use the inside of your elbow.

Ventilate for 10 minutes

Since viruses spread faster in enclosed spaces, ventilating the space you are in for 10-15 minutes at the start of every hour is among the other important measures you should take.

Clean daily without fail

Coronavirus has the ability to remain alive on surfaces for hours, even days. To prevent virus transmission, clean surfaces you use frequently, such as door handles, fixtures and washbasins, daily with plenty of water and detergent, using products with disinfectant properties.

Wash at 60-90 degrees

If coronavirus is transmitted through respiratory secretions, it can remain alive on our clothes for several hours. Therefore, when you come home from outside, change your clothes immediately and wash them with detergent at high temperatures of 60-90 degrees.

Consume at least 4-5 servings of vegetables and fruits

Adequate and balanced nutrition habits are among the most important factors that strengthen our immune system. Therefore, be careful to consume adequate and balanced amounts of foods containing vitamins and minerals such as A, C, E, D vitamins, selenium, zinc and iron, which are antioxidants that protect the immune system. Along with 3-5 servings of vegetables and fruits daily, it is very important that you regularly consume foods such as milk, yogurt and cheese containing vitamin D, protein-containing foods and legumes.

At least 2 liters of water is necessary!

Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Gamze Uçar, who says "Do not neglect drinking at least 2 liters of water daily and frequently," explains the importance of water consumption as follows: "This way, you can shorten the time the virus remains in your upper respiratory tract. Drinking water also supports the immune system. However, do not fall into the misconception that hot beverages will kill the virus. Because hot drinks not only fail to eliminate the virus, but can also cause damage to the mouth and throat mucosa, which as a result can cause harm instead of benefit."