Fighting COVID-19: Disinfect shared spaces regularly

We asked you, dear readers to share tips, suggestions and stories of how you are preventing coronavirus.
London based Dr Mithileysh Sathiyanarayanan, 29 offers his advice:

In my view, we must start giving importance to Coronavirus news only from authentic sources such as the World Health Organisation (WHO).

With respect to Coronavirus symptoms or concerns, never trust any unverified news from WhatsApp, Twitter or Facebook posts.

In addition to that, we must start focussing on building a good immune system, practice good hygiene measures, indulge in some form of physical activity on a daily basis.

Here are some basic tips to drive the Coronavirus away.

1. Focus on building your immune system

Studies have shown that smokers and alcoholics have an increased risk of catching infections and suffering severe complications from those infections.

They are the most vulnerable. So, having the right balanced food by eliminating cigarettes, alcohol and drugs can help in building a good immune system and this can fight against viruses.

2. Do exercises/yoga

Studies show that those who exercise at least 30 minutes a day tend to suffer fewer infections than those who do not.

So, keeping oneself fit/active will build a stronger immune.

3. Have a good sleep 

Sleep is important for health in general, and as a bonus, it may also benefit our immune function.

So, a good sleep of 7 to 8 hours per day is a must.

If you have a stressful job, power naps between work hours will highly benefit as well.

4. Follow good hygiene 

The viruses can be killed by proper handwashing for 20 seconds with soap or using hand sanitisers.

Also, keeping the shared spaces such as kitchens, toilets clean by using disinfectants regularly will also play an important role.

5. Eat healthy, balanced food

There is high importance of considering herbs and spices in your diet.

Anti-viral ingredients such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, fenugreek, coriander, black pepper, red peppers are known to boost immunity against most types of flu.

It may also be important to include honey, switch to green tea, have buttermilk, coconut milk, coconut water, lime water, pepper water, nuts (such as walnuts, peanuts, almonds, pistachios) and fruit juices (such as oranges, limes, grapes, blueberries, cranberries, strawberries) to build a strong immune system.

Vegetables such as carrots, beetroots, spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, eggplant and capsicum/bell peppers are also good for your body.

In these conditions, we must try and have steamed veggies as salad and never consume raw vegetables.

Try and include anti-viral and anti-bacterial food as a part of your daily diet.

Dear readers, how are you dealing with the lockdown and keeping the virus away?

Share your smart tips, ideas and suggestions with us and we will publish the best ones.

You can also get your children to share a drawing describing the current situation in the country or how to keep coronavirus away.

Write in to us at getahead@rediff.co.in (Subject: Keeping COVID-19 Away) along with your NAME, AGE and LOCATION.

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