With no sign of stopping anytime soon, news of various COVID-19 variants is now circulating, with experts warning that people should take extra precautionary measures. It's high time to double down and commit to taking precautions seriously to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the coronavirus.
5 Ways to Keep Yourself Protected from COVID-19 Variants
Despite mutations being the norm for most viruses, a few COVID-19 mutations have health experts concerned. Although there is no conclusive evidence showing how mutations have affected the coronavirus, experts warn that it may make the virus more infectious than before.
That's why it is important to consider these 5 easy things to protect yourself from COVID-19 variants.
1. Wear a Well-Fitting Mask or Double Mask
Face masks continue to be an essential tool in protecting yourself from COVID-19 and preventing further spread of the coronavirus. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, N95s and KN95s are still the most effective masks against the virus. However, experts recommend that these types of masks be saved for health professionals prone to more exposure.
As an alternative, three-layer surgical masks are best used by the public.
On the other hand, double masking is also being suggested by health experts around the world. Science shows that wearing cloth masks on top of a medical-grade mask significantly increasing levels of protection.
ALSO READ: Scientists Show How 'Killer' T Cells Could Enhance COVID-19 Immunity Amidst New Variants
2. Get Vaccinated
The Food and Drug Administration has given emergency use authorization to Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. Both rely on mRNA technologies, and current data shows that both are effective against the U.K COVID-19 variant.
Although vaccine rollout in the U.S has been slow so far, CDC recently stated that vaccinations would be far and more widely available by the end of March.
3. Prioritize Ventilation
In select cases, COVID-19 can also be spread via an airborne transmission that is likely to happen when individuals interact indoors with no masks for at least 15 minutes.
Proper ventilation reduces the risks of both droplets and airborne transmissions occurring.
4. Always Wash Your Hands Properly
It may sound mundane, but frequent proper washing of hands can significantly increase protection. When going outside and interacting with others can't be avoided, washing your hands ensure that you won't accidentally ingest the virus via your hands.
The CDC advises that hands must be washed before touching the face, after coughing or sneezing, and after handling masks. The agency has also released a helpful guide that shows when hand washing is imperative, especially amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. Avoid Unnecessary Outings and Crowds
One of the most crucial ways to protect yourself from COVID-29 variants is to stay at home as much as possible. If going outside, especially when you know there's going to be a crowd, can be avoided, it's best to choose to stay in your home's comforts.
A study shows that the age group who has the most mobility and interactions with both the older and younger members of the population are at a higher risk and causes at least 50% of increased cases.
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