Must Read: 11 Tips for Prevention of Coronavirus in Nigeria

Since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019, it has spread rapidly across the globe, leading to over a million confirmed cases in three months. The current and rapidly evolving situation of COVID-19 has brought the entire world to a standstill. Things have been changing rapidly, with the so-called western world being the worst hit. China, South Korea, Italy, Iran, and the US are some of the worst-hit countries by the coronavirus pandemic, and all have come up with their responses. In Africa, the virus has spread to dozens of countries within weeks, including Nigeria.

On the 27th of February 2020, Nigeria confirmed its first case of COVID-19. Since then, the number of confirmed cases has gradually increased, with more sporadic cases reported across more states in Nigeria. As at today – 26^th of April 2020, 1273 cases have been confirmed, 239 cases have been discharged, 40 deaths have been recorded in 32 states, and the Federal Capital Territory. Nigeria is a densely populated country with about 200 million people across 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This context and other socio-economic factors make the country particularly vulnerable for a highly transmissible virus such as coronavirus (Ncovid-19) to spread.

The Nigerian government, like other Governments and health authorities across the continents, are striving to limit widespread infections via lockdown, and other health practices as a measure to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus infection. Thus, the best way to prevent this infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Also, some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms. Therefore, knowing the facts is key to being adequately prepared and protecting yourself and your loved ones. 

The following are simple tips that you can follow to remain healthy during this pandemic, especially if you are residing in developing worlds like Nigeria.

#1 Hand Washing.

To avoid contracting the coronavirus infection, you will need to wash your hands frequently and regularly, appropriately. Use soap and water and scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. The following are guidelines, according to the CDC, on handwashing.

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.

2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.

4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

#2 Use Alcohol-based Hand Sanitizers.

If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. A sanitizer with 60% - 95% alcohol content is an effective and potent alternative for hand hygiene, as alcohol acts as a denaturing agent that kills or inactivates viruses.

#3 Maintain Social Distance.

The act of keeping a social distance to Africans, especially Nigerians may be absurd, and a kind of a cultural shock, as our culture and tradition, promote friendship and togetherness. But be it as it may, it is the best thing to do at the moment. Social distancing means that you refrain from seeing your friends and family in person, keeping a boundary of about 6 feet between you and others when you do go out to the grocery store, or for walks.

#4 Avoid Touching Eyes, Nose, and Mouth.

It is also essential for you to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, to prevent the transmission of the infection.

#5 Cover your Nose and Mouth when you Sneeze and Cough.

If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Endeavor to throw away the used tissues in the trash and immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. That way, you will be doing yourself more good than harm.

#6 Wear a Face Mask in Public Places.

Due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 across the states in Nigeria, it will not be out of place, especially if you reside in areas with high transmission rates, or, if you are going to places where you cannot maintain social distancing, to cover your nose and mouth with a cloth or another type of breathable fabric, including face masks. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control recommends the use of face masks by members of the public, as an optional additional layer and not as a compulsory measure, in addition to physical distancing, hand and respiratory hygiene measures in Nigeria. This is not a compulsory advisory, but it is an added recommendation in addition to the above rules.

#7 Clean and Disinfect.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your hose or office daily. These objects may include tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water before disinfection. Then, use a household disinfectant. It is important to watch where you put your phone. Stop exposing and using your cellphone indiscriminately, because the less you expose your phone to shared surfaces, the less you need to worry about them in the first place. If you do put your phone down on a shared surface, please use alcohol and other antimicrobial wipes to clean your phone and other belongings.

#8 Eat a Balanced Diet.

A balanced diet is about adding and eating in the right proportion all of the essential nutrients necessary for growth so that every part of your body gets what it needs to function correctly. Such nutrients include carbohydrates, protein, fat and oil, fibre, vitamin, minerals, and water. Because nutritional deficiency may pose a grave risk for you and your household, it is advised to buy a dietary supplement to correct any nutritional deficiency arising from unhealthy eating habits during this lockdown.

#9 Drink Plenty of Water.

Your body needs to stay hydrated to carry out its physiological functions. You need to drink plenty of water per day. Your body uses the water you drink to help convey nutrients to all the cells in your body and oxygen to the brain; to absorb and assimilate minerals, vitamins, amino acids, glucose; and helps to excrete toxins and waste from your body. Drinking enough water also helps to thin the mucus and help the sinuses to drain effectively, especially if you are having a cold or flu. There is no fast rule as to what quantity of water you can take per day, but the simplest way to detect if you are adequately hydrated is when your urine is pale or clear. So, if your urine colour is concentrated, it means you need to rehydrate yourself more.

#10 Prevent Malaria.

As you are doing all that you can for you and your family to remain safe and health from the novel coronavirus, you must also ensure that other killer diseases, such as malaria, are not neglected. Malaria is endemic in Nigeria, and is a risk for 97% of the population. The population at highest risk includes your children, wife (pregnant), and the non-immune. It is therefore important that you and your family are equipped with antimalarial medication and necessary precautions during this lockdown. Only way to prevent infection is to prevent mosquito bites, therefore do the following:

Insecticides: Applying insecticide can kill adult mosquitoes

Sleeping nets: Sleep under nets, to prevent mosquito bites. Sleeping nets treated with insecticides are recommended if you live in areas where malaria and mosquitoes are endemic with particular importance for pregnant women and young children who are particularly vulnerable.

Cover your body: Try as much as possible to minimize exposing your body by wearing long pants and long sleeved shirts. Mosquitoes are more active from dusk to dawn care should be taken during these times

Apply creams or sprays: You may need to use mosquito repellent creams or sprays which are available over the counter, to keep the mosquitoes away.

#11 If You’re Sick, Stay at Home.

As you know by now that the hospital is not a safe place during this pandemic either, so you must endeavor to stay at home and follow your doctor's prescription, except you are critically ill. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing which are the most common symptoms for coronavirus infection, call your medical provider or the NCDC Toll Free Number: 0800 9700 0010 immediately. The CDC urges those who may have been exposed to avoid public places and limit contact with other people.

Feel free to share this information to others. Take responsibility and Stay safe