Note: Virtually Smart do not claim to be health professionals. This blog is based on a common sense approach & uses information given by the UK Government Health Experts & the World Health Organisation (WHO)
COVID19 has now got everyone in a panic.
Panic buying in shops & supermarkets. Some shops restricting attendance to two or four people at a time to avoid some of the chaos & carnage we have seen on social media streams & in the news. The Government have now set up a daily news conference as the situation escalates & more & more British people are fearful of what the future looks like.
Weddings are being cancelled as are flights & holidays. Bars, theatres & restaurants are shuttering their doors & already Laura Ashley are the first large name high street brand to cite the COVID19 outbreak as a reason talks have broken down to save their company.
However, globally one thing is clear. Whatever strategies countries are using to curtail the spread of COVID19, the health of the worlds nations is paramount.
Therefore, Virtually Smart have pulled together some common sense ideas to support you, your family & your friends during this challenging time & try your very best to ensure you are physically & mentally taking care of yourself & loved ones.
Protect yourself & your loved ones first.
The NHS has the following advice to help stop the spread of COVID19.
- wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
- always wash your hands when you get home or into work
- use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
- put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
- avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of coronavirus
- only travel on public transport if you need to
- work from home, if you can
- avoid social activities, such as going to pubs, restaurants, theatres and cinemas
- avoid events with large groups of people
- use phone, online services, or apps to contact your GP surgery or other NHS services (1)
Drink plenty of fluids
The novel disease COVID 19 is one of the coronaviruses. Like with any cold or flu, drinking plenty of fluids can not only keep you hydrated, but it can also encourage the virus to flush into your gut, where your stomach acids will kill it.
Eat healthily
A lot of the panic buying in supermarkets across the UK is for packaged or dried foods, whilst fresh fruits & vegetables remain on the shelves. Now more than ever, eating a balanced & nutritious diet is imperative to help boost immunity & simply keep you healthy.
It is not secret that we are all meant to aim to eat at least five portions of fruits & vegetables every day to retain & maintain a healthy lifestyle (2) It is all to easy to fall foul of the panic buying mentality, but as with all countries which have thus far closed borders, cancelled flights & shut down countries & cities; supply chains are ensuring that food is in plentiful supply, with logistics companies working tirelessly to ensure everyone can eat.
In addition to eating plenty of fresh fruits & vegetables, for those in the vulnerable groups, an additional Vitamin C & or Zinc supplement may help to further boost an immune system.
Hand washing
Thus far the research into the spread of the COVID 19 virus, seems to point towards person to person contact. However, germs & viruses can live on hard surfaces & clothes for many hours after they have been transmitted & therefore regular hand washing & or the use of an alcohol based hand gel are being advised.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) (3) & the UK Government guidance is to wash your hands if you have been anywhere beyond your home, wash them before you eat & avoid person to person contact as much as is possible, including such activities as hand shaking & signing for packages. Furthermore, the advice goes so far as to advise avoiding contact with your eyes, nose or mouth as you may have a virus on your hands. (4)
Social distancing – Protecting mental health
The mental health impact with regards to social isolation is of concern, especially in our most vulnerable communities. Many people across the UK in particular are offering to support our vulnerable groups who are self isolating by running errands, posting letters & purchasing essential supplies.
However, above & beyond, these members of our community need to have some form of social interaction. Therefore, simple things like a telephone conversation, creating a Whatsapp group & or using Face-time through a mobile phone or laptop; can really help keep everyone connected, keep people from feeling lonely & isolated, whilst also adhering to the Government social distancing guidelines.
Get some exercise
It is no secret that fresh air & a dose of sunshine can not only produce vital Vitamin D for strong bones, but it can do an incredible amount for our mental health. Sunshine & fresh air can make us feel much better & therefore, if you are able to get out for a walk, sit in a garden or simply open the windows (if you don’t have access to either of the former) on a warm day; then this can really help boost your mood.
Furthermore, if you are seeking alternatives to the Gym, now would be a great time to undertake outdoor activities like walking, hiking, cycling or running. These activities can still enable you to keep a prescribed distance from others & give you a much needed serotonin (happy hormone) boost as well.
We are all living in an unprecedented time & now more than ever our communities to pull together, we all need to follow the WHO & UK Government guidelines & ensure we are all mindful of the health & well of ourselves, our loved ones & those most vulnerable in our societies.
Written by Katy-Jane for & on behalf of Virtually Smart Ltd.
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
- https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/5-a-day-what-counts/
- https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
- https://www.who.int/gpsc/5may/Hand_Hygiene_Why_How_and_When_Brochure.pdf
