Introduction
As the world continues to grapple with the novel coronavirus, it is important to stay informed and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones. With the help of a virus expert, Eat This Not That has compiled a comprehensive guide on how to avoid COVID-19. From understanding the basics of the virus to the best practices for prevention, this guide will provide you with the information you need to stay safe. With the expert advice of a virus expert, you can learn how to reduce your risk of contracting the virus and how to protect yourself and your family.
How Can You Avoid COVID? A Virus Expert Weighs In — Eat This Not That
As the world continues to grapple with the novel coronavirus, it’s important to stay informed on the best ways to protect yourself and your family from the virus. To get the latest advice on how to avoid COVID-19, we spoke to Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert and senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.
1. Wear a Mask
The most important thing you can do to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 is to wear a face mask. “Masks are the most important tool we have to prevent the spread of the virus,” says Dr. Adalja. “They help to reduce the amount of virus particles that are released into the air when someone talks, coughs, or sneezes.”
2. Practice Social Distancing
Social distancing is another important way to reduce your risk of getting COVID-19. “It’s important to keep a distance of at least six feet from other people,” says Dr. Adalja. “This helps to reduce the amount of virus particles that can be transmitted from person to person.”
3. Wash Your Hands Frequently
Washing your hands is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of getting COVID-19. “It’s important to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds,” says Dr. Adalja. “This helps to remove any virus particles that may be on your hands.”
4. Avoid Crowded Places
It’s also important to avoid crowded places, such as bars, restaurants, and other public spaces. “These places can be hot spots for the virus,” says Dr. Adalja. “It’s best to avoid them if possible.”
5. Eat This Not That
Finally, Dr. Adalja recommends eating a healthy diet to help boost your immune system. “Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables can help to strengthen your immune system,” he says. “It’s also important to avoid processed foods and sugary drinks, as these can weaken your immune system.”
By following these simple tips, you can help to reduce your risk of getting COVID-19 and protect yourself and your family. Stay safe!
With COVID still spiking in many areas and the Omicron variant spreading, it’s that much more important to take proper precautions to help avoid getting the virus. There are several ways to stay healthy this holiday season and Eat This, Not That! Health talked to medical experts who explained how to do so. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
It’s been proven that getting vaccinated helps prevent someone from getting COVID and when breakthrough cases happen, the vaccine reduces the level of sickness. Dr. Suman Radhakrishna MD FACP, Director of Infectious Diseases at Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center says, “Circulating antibodies produced by us in response to vaccination is useful in avoiding severe disease.”
Dr. Tom Yadegar, pulmonologist and medical director of the intensive care unit at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center adds, “In a world with vaccine inequity, SARS-CoV-2 will continue to have the opportunity to mutate, and emerging variants will continue to remain an area of concern. With adherence to public health recommendations and a little common sense, protecting yourself, your family and your community members in the face of uncertainty can be accomplished.
Staying current with vaccinations with the season of respiratory illnesses upon us, it is imperative now more than ever to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters. Vaccines remain the most effective way to decrease the severity of a COVID-19 infection, which in turn, decreases the risk for hospitalization and death. Equally important is also receiving annual influenza vaccines, along with the recommended pneumonia vaccines for certain at-risk groups, in order to help keep your immune system boosted.”
Dr. Yadegar explains, “Social distancing can be difficult to navigate around the holiday season with family, but maintaining social distancing of at least 6 feet between members of different households is a powerful tool in diminishing the spread of COVID-19. When gathering with family members and friends, it is highly recommended to hold events outdoors and in well-ventilated areas.”
Dr. Yadegar says, “COVID-19 is a respiratory illness, and as such, implementing methods to reduce the risk for inhaling viral particles is imperative to decrease the likelihood of contracting the virus. Frequent hand washing and properly wearing masks, especially KN95 masks that work against smaller particles, are efficacious in lowering spread and contraction rates.”
While it’s tempting to travel this holiday season, Dr. Radhakrishna suggests staying local. “This prevents introducing infection, especially if traveling from high incidence areas to low incidence areas. If you have to travel, monitor for COVID symptoms (fever, cough, diarrhea) and test 3-7 days after reaching your destination.”
Dr. Radhakrishna recommends being careful of indoor gatherings. “Outdoor gathering is better than indoor gathering, especially if you plan to take off your mask.” She adds, “Mask-up when mingling with individuals who do not live with you, social distance when possible in addition to mask use and video chat instead of parking in large indoor gatherings.
“If you are not well, and not sure if your symptoms are from COVID or allergies, quarantine until test results are available and talk to your doctor,” Dr. Radhakrishna says. “Cancel your plans if you are feeling ill. Your family, friends and coworkers will appreciate it.”
Follow the public health fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you live—get vaccinated ASAP; if you live in an area with low vaccination rates, wear an N95 face mask, don’t travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don’t go indoors with people you’re not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.