The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued an advisory for elderly people that lists dos and don’ts that they should follow in order to protect themselves from coronavirus.
Since the elderly are at a greater risk from the virus, it will be well to keep these in mind:
Dos:
– Stay at home and avoid meeting people. Wash your hands and face frequently with soap and water.
– Exercise, meditate and take your daily prescribed medicines regularly.
– Eat home cooked food, hydrate frequently and take fresh juice to boost immunity.
– Sneeze, cough in your elbow or into a handkerchief or tissue paper. Throw the tissue paper away and wash the handkerchief afterwards.
– If you have any surgeries coming up, like knee replacement surgery for example, it will be best to postpone it at this time.
– Monitor your health and if you develop a fever, cough and/or breathing difficulty, seek medical attention immediately.
Don’ts:
– Do not go to crowded places like parks, markets and religious places.
– Avoid going to hospital for routine checkup or follow-up. Try consulting your doctor on the phone.
– Do not self-medicate.
– Do not go near anyone if you are suffering from fever and cough.
– Do not hug or shake hands with your near ones and do not go near affected/sick people.
– Do not cough or sneeze without covering your face, or in your bare hand.
While the government has taken strict measures to contain the virus, it is also important for people to take personal measures in order to break the chain of transmission. Stay home, stay safe!
