What You Should be Doing in Times of Disease Outbreak?

What You Should be Doing in Times of Disease Outbreak?

As human beings, we like to think of ourselves as the masters of the universe. We have been able to conquer mountain tops, sail the toughest seas and fly in the air, so it’s obvious that we’ll take some amount of pride in these facts. 

Sadly, every once in a while, mother nature likes to take hold of us and shake us till we realize we aren’t the most powerful force on the face of the earth. Each time a cosmic catastrophe happens, we’re forced to surrender to the fact that nature and fate are the true forces to be reckoned with. In mankind’s history, we have witnessed natural disasters such as the 1931 China floods, the 2010 Haiti earthquake and various others. Epidemics and pandemics have also taken millions of lives throughout history. Be it the bubonic plague or the seven cholera pandemic, or the various flu pandemics, each time the human population has found itself struggling to cope and grappling with the circumstances. 

Unfortunately, as the citizens of the earth, we have been put to a test again, this time in the name of the novel Coronavirus also known as COVID-19. In times like these, people must come together and help each other in any and every way that they can. We have, thus, compiled a list of the things that you should be doing in times of a disease outbreak.

Disinfect

This is the first logical thing to do in a scenario where infectious disease is spreading all over the world. Whether you are in a lockdown or not, you need to make sure that the place where you live, the clothes that you wear, the things that you touch and all tactile surroundings are disinfected properly. You can always do this yourself using disinfectant sprays and wipes or you can avail a disinfection service and let them professionally clean your house or office. These service providers will be equipped with the right tools, have the required knowledge and use hospital grade disinfectant solutions with accurate concentration so that you don’t have to worry about a chemical overdose on your senses.

Stock up Food

One can easily go overboard on this one, so it is equally important to create a balance in this case. If your city predicts a lockdown situation, stocking up the most essential commodities is a wise step to take. 

You should first make a list of articles that are essential for your household. This list may vary from person to person depending on the number of family members, the presence of kids and/or pets. The recommendation is to stock up on a two week worth of food and water supply. Milk formula and diapers, similarly for two weeks, if you have children, and animal food if you have pets. It is also advised to have a month’s supply of any prescribed drugs as well as non-prescribed drugs like pain-relievers, cough, and cold medicines and anti-allergens. 

Social Distancing

Much like the outbreak that we currently face, most wide-spreading diseases travel through human contact. Therefore, whether you have been infected or not, the practical thing to do is to avoid as much social exposure as you possibly can. 

Work from home, if your job allows, and limit all social interactions. Postpone any unnecessary travel plans and cancel all plans of gatherings. It is also important to note that you should remain at the place that you’re already at. That means, traveling to your home town to practice isolation is a contradictory practice. Gather your immediate family members and voluntarily impose a house ban. In doing so, you won’t just be protecting yourself but also others, in the case of being a carrier.

Stay stress-free

In times like these, this is easier said than done. Especially, with the constant bombardment of new information over the news and social media. Limit the number of times, you watch the news or read related articles on the internet. Browse and choose a few authentic sources of information, the best are usually government-run outlets.

Be mindful of your own behavioral health and those around you. Understand that having feelings like worry, anxiety, and fear, is completely natural under these circumstances. The first step to overcoming these challenges is to acknowledge them. Instead of overthinking and over-analyzing a situation you don’t have much control over, take this time to be appreciative of the things you normally take for granted.

Occupy yourself

If you have been forced into home isolation, don’t make matters worse by getting frustrated or angry. Take this time to unwind. Think of all those days you wished for a leave from work and try to make the most of your time. Pick up that long-forgotten hobby, try your cooking skills at that new recipe, and organize all cupboards and shelves in the house. 

If you have children at home, get crafty with them instead of allowing them more screen time. As long as you and your loved ones are healthy and safe, count your blessings even in the confinements of your home. You may also take this gratitude a step further by volunteering in your local setup. For instance, offering to pick up groceries for an elderly neighbor, buying and distributing gift cards from your local grocery store to people who depend on daily wages. Be responsible and empathetic because times like these are a reflection of one’s character.

Final Words:

In short, protect your body from the disease and your mind from paranoia. Eat a healthy and nutritious diet, meditate or practice yoga to keep your mind calm. Exercise regularly and get an adequate amount of sleep. Leave behind all your careless habits, and follow your government’s instructions properly. These are testing times, but they shall pass. Bear in mind all the points we have mentioned above for your and your family’s safety and well-being.  We can overcome it all by being the best version of ourselves.

Abigail Kent
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