CU Around: The Virus Protection Spell: “Eat Hot Food, Use Serving Spoons, Wash Hands, and Wear Masks”

Chatsiam Mhomkaew

The outbreak of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) has been declared a global health emergency – causing panic and fear around the globe. The virus causes respiratory problems that lead to shortage of breath and eventually death. From the seminar, “Keeping Up With COVID-19 and Ways to Look After and Protect Yourself”, organized by the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, the speakers addressed some of the key symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough, sneeze, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, and diarrhea. The identified groups of people at risk are travelers from Wuhan and other cities infected with the virus.  If you have recently traveled back from one of the areas with COVID-19 outbreaks, the suggested isolation period is 14 days – giving the body time to show the symptoms. If no symptoms come up, then it’s safe.

Safety Precautions

Avoid:	Make sure to:
· Touching your face, eyes, nose, and lips · Staying in close proximity to patients with fever, shortness of breath, or continuous sneezing · Travelling to cities or countries infected by COVID-19 Travelling to crowded places such as the hospital, shopping centres, or transportation terminals	· Take care of basic hygiene such as washing your hands more frequently, using soap or using anti-bacterial hand gel · Eat food promptly and use a serving spoon when sharing food. It is best to avoid eating raw meat. · Don’t share personal hygiene products with others · Wear a mask When coming down with a fever or shortness of breath, visit a doctor immediately

Protect Yourself, Wear a Mask

To stay safe from the virus, it is recommended to wear a proper surgical mask. Make sure you wear the mask the right way. The white side should be in as it can absorb saliva, whereas the middle layer filters dust, germs, and bacteria. The colored side should be the outer layer as it is waterproof.

How to Wear Masks Correctly

• Wash your hands thoroughly
• Wear the mask correctly – covering the nose and mouth
• Make sure the elastic cord fits your ear and adjust the nose-bridge to fit your face-shape. Leave little room for air passage.
• When wearing the mask, refrain from touching the mask to avoid contact with bacteria
• When the mask is damaged or stained, change the mask immediately
• A standard surgical mask can be worn continuously for 8-9 hours. Try not to remove or re-wear it more than 5 times per day or as recommended by the manufacturer. After use, discard the mask in a closed bin.

If in doubt…

Students and staff that have recently traveled back from China, have been in contact with anyone traveling from China, and is coming down with a fever or facing respiratory issues, please visit the doctor at Chulalongkorn Health Center, Chamchuri 9 immediately.  The clinic contact line is open 24 hours via 080-441-9041 or via the hotline 02-218-0000.  For more inquiries on the virus, please contact 1422 (Department of Disease Control).

The COVID-19 situation is now highly sensitive.  If you encounter anyone with symptoms of infection, do not be fearful and remain calm.  Although serious, the COVID-19 can be cured with proper treatment. Compassion and sympathy are virtues during these difficult times.  

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