Simple Ways to Protect yourself from Germs in your Busy Schedule

God is everywhere! So are bacteria and viruses! And unlike God, they make you feel their presence in a very obnoxious and unpleasant way.

Once you catch an infection and get sick, putting up with it and recovery are herculean tasks. However, taking care of a few measures and fitting them into your daily schedule might not be so!

While we all already know these, let’s consider this blog a short revival of those thoughts and actions.

• Wash your hands

Washing your hands is the basic yet most crucial step towards your hygiene. It is the most accessible, affordable, and effective weapon in your arsenal for the fight against germs. You may become vulnerable to infection as soon as you touch a door, vehicle, basin, handrail, chair, table, etc. Whilst it is impossible to pass a day without touching these frequently, it is surely possible to lessen the risk of germ attack by increasing the frequency of washing hands thoroughly with soap. Do it especially before and after eating food, cleaning your home or vehicle, using the restroom, playing with or cleaning your pets, or leaving or reaching a place.

• Distancing

I understand this is something new and, at times, weird for us to adopt. It is a practice we have still not entirely come to terms with. Be it as it may, let’s try to maintain physical distance when we or someone else is sick, coughing, sneezing, or exercising. It is good both for you and the other person. The droplets from a cough or sneeze release into the air, thus becoming a source of infection-spread. While running, jogging, exercising, etc., we perspire a lot – sweat can also be a germ-carrier. Hence, these situations demand maintenance of some distance or to avoid hugging and shaking hands, at the very least.

• Cover your mouth

In continuation to the point mentioned above, corona or no corona, it is advised to cover your mouth while coughing or sneezing. Use a tissue or handkerchief or hand towel while doing the same. If nothing else, sneeze or cough, covering your mouth with the inside of your elbow. Recommend the same to your friends, family, children, and other people.

• Masks

Wearing masks while outside has become imperative these days. My personal view is to wear a mask even when we are at 0 (zero) risk of Covid-19. Our air has become damn polluted, and breathing in fresh air is something we can only dream of! Hence, keep your masks (two preferably) always with you and wear them in a crowded place, dusty or dirty area, or wherever you deem fit.

• Medications

Some of us find it easy to take medicine if we feel a slight headache, cough, etc. We are assured of quick relief, as we cannot afford to rest in our busy schedule. Well, this might be ok once in a blue moon, but making it a habit could be harmful. These might lead to side effects that come to the surface only when it’s ‘too late.’ Hence, better to avoid these and switch to natural ‘immunity boosting’ diets or tips. If it becomes a necessity, then use it only after thorough consultation with your doctor.

• Sanitizing and disinfecting

Absolutely necessary! Just like washing hands, sanitizing them regularly is also a demand of the hour. It is recommended to carry a sanitizer bottle along wherever you go. Besides hands, you may also use it to sanitize some parts of the washroom, your desk, mask, and other such things. Some people who use nebulizers should also sanitize them frequently. 

Last but not least, get vaccinated. Stay up-to-date on all the essential immunizations recommended for your age.

Avani Raj Arora