Most of us have been monitoring the coronavirus outbreak and many of us may be beginning to feel uneasy about it’s continued rapid growth. As of 28th February 2020, the virus has infected over 82,000 patients worldwide including many countries outside of the epi-center in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Despite a large number of confirmed cases the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported, they are still yet to declare a pandemic even after scientists and medical professionals have said that it is only a matter of time.

Currently, health authorities across the globe are expecting a much larger spread of the virus through what is referred to as community spread. This usually happens at large events and gatherings of people. So far many countries have closed schools and canceled large sporting and music events in an effort to curb the spread of the virus.

As the infection rate increases, health authorities have advised the public to make themselves prepared but warn people of panic and media hype and suggest that people only stock up on what they need. Read on to find out the best ways to prepare for the coronavirus.

Via: ctvnews.ca / © cdc.gov

1. Stock up on regular flu supplies

At this time, there is no vaccine or approved medication to treat coronavirus but much of the formulation and presentation of the virus is the same as the seasonal flu. This means that coronavirus will present the greatest risk to elderly people and those with compromised immune systems such as those already suffering from other health conditions. With this in mind, professionals recommend that you stock up on regular flu remedies like painkillers and anti-inflammatories, over-the-counter cough and cold medicines, and vitamin supplements.

 Via: Allie Smith / Unsplash.com

2. Always implement good hygiene practice

One of the best preventative measures you can take is practicing good hygiene. The CDC in the USA suggests that you wash your hands for at least 20 seconds after using the bathroom, before eating, and after you cough or sneeze. Additionally, if you do need to cough or sneeze you should do it into a tissue and immediately throw the tissue away. If you don’t happen to have a tissue then the best option is to cough or sneeze into your shirt sleeve or the inside of your elbow. It is not recommended that you sneeze or cough into your hands as this does not contain the spray of fluids effectively enough.

Most people instinctively touch their faces numerous times a day, but with coronavirus, it is very important that you take extra care to avoid touching your face, nose, mouth or eyes with your hands. Furthermore, you should clean surfaces in your home often that come into contact with your hands often, such as doorknobs and handles as well as work surfaces.

 Via: Macau Photo Agency / unsplash.com

3. Be mindful of what you hear or read

In the era of social media and fake news, it is very easy to become panicked or too worried about coronavirus. At the moment, health experts have found that although this particular strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) is considerably more contagious than previous pandemic like viruses in the modern era, it is much less deadly. Reuters, for example, recently reported that 1 in 50 cases of coronavirus proved fatal while 5 in 50 SARS infections and 17 in 50 MERS infections proved fatal. The CDC again reports that for most people under the age of 65 who contract coronavirus (COVID-19) would recover fully at home. Coronavirus is much more like a pandemic seasonal flu than a super virus and so many health professionals will recommend the public take the same precautions they do with seasonal flu.

Further to the panic around the virus itself, social media outside of China and Southeast Asia seems to be stirring up some negative sentiment toward people of East Asian origin. The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged governments and local authorities to try to prevent discrimination within non-Asian countries and communities for fear that marginalized individuals in such areas may not go to their doctor or the hospital if they do show symptoms out of fear.

4. Stocking up on food and supplies

Currently, a lot of citizens around the world are stocking up on non-perishable food items and in many cases people are panic buying. This is because a lot of foods and household items are exported from Mainland China where many factories are temporarily closed while cities are under quarantine.

With this in mind, the WHO and national health authorities like the CDC in the USA have recommended that people buy enough food and water to last for two weeks. When doing so, you should look to buy non-perishable foods like grains, rice, pasta and canned food as well as frozen meats and/or vegetables. In addition to foods, some countries are expecting shortages in toilet paper, tissues and disinfectant products. While still available, you should consider buying a two week supply of these items.

Whatever you do during the current coronavirus outbreak, it is important that you don’t panic too much, and consider only stocking up on items that meet your needs. Too much panic buying or hoarding will only add to the already tense environment and perhaps make the virus seem worse than it actually is.