Tips to prevent COVID-19 spread

How you can protect yourself and family from infection and spreading COVID-19

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). The reason why coronavirus is currently experiencing its zenith of infamy is because there is a novel coronavirus (COVID-19), a new strain that has never before been identified in humans. 

Most places on the planet have literally shut down and people have been ordered into a lockdown. Businesses have been suspended, people aren't allowed to see their friends and family or leave their homes, and schools have shut down! These drastic measures have been put in place in order to flatten the COVID-19 curve, as it has spread extremely quickly across the planet within a very short matter of time.

We’ve all heard that prevention is better than cure and that is very true. But how can you best protect yourself from infection and spreading COVID-19? We have been told to wash our hands and we're all doing that, right? But there is much more to immunity than simply washing hands. Here are the top foods you can eat to boost your immune system, healthy lifestyle changes we should all consider PLUS tips you may not have heard of yet!

Wash your hands

One of the easiest ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 is to wash your hands. Washing your hands can protect you and your loved ones from contracting or spreading the virus! Respiratory viruses spread when mucus or droplets containing the virus get into your body through your eyes, nose or mouth. This most commonly happens from you touching infected surfaces and then transferring the droplets onto your face, other surfaces, or to other people.

Everybody is urged to wash your hands frequently in (warm or cold) soapy water for at least 20 seconds. You should make sure to wash your hands after coughing, sneezing, interacting with someone, coming home from a public place, before leaving home, before and after eating, after using the toilet and after handling money.

Avoid being exposed to the virus

Although it's not always possible to totally avoid contact with the rest of the world, try to stay at home (self-isolate) as much as possible. Don't leave the house unnecessarily during the pandemic unless for essential purposes, make sure to wash your hands during this time, avoid touching surfaces and your face, and sanitise your hands and surfaces.

Cover coughs and sneezes

Another simple way to avoid spreading the COVID-19 virus is to cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow. Wash or sanitise afterwards!

Wear a mask if you're infected

Many people are wearing masks even if they are not infected with COVID-19. The World Health Organisation (WHO) urges people who are not infected to NOT wear mask; only those who are infected should wear mask to avoid spreading droplets.

Eat immune-boosting food

Social distancing, hand washing and other precautions can be taken in order to avoid the spread of COVID-19, but did you know that food and nutrition can play a role in reducing infection? Foods rich in vitamins and minerals are highly encouraged during this time, as well as plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Now is also a great time to start stocking up on superfoods!

The term 'superfoods' is used to describe nutrient-dense foods that are exceptionally high in vitamins and minerals and provide health benefits, while reducing the risk of disease. Adding superfoods to your diet helps to re-mineralise the body, minimizing the desire for snacking on sugar rich foods, helping the body get back on track with a healthy lifestyle. You can add them to breakfasts, smoothies or even use a superfood shake as a meal replacement to stay full for longer, aid with weight loss and add extra energy to your day!

READ: Top trending superfoods >

Make lifestyle changes

Keep yourself and your family healthy by implementing healthy lifestyle changes such as the ones below:

• Stop or reduce smoking (click here to find out how to successfully quit smoking)
• Stop or reduce alcohol intake
• Exercise regularly (create home workout routines for the whole family)
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet (click here to view our organic, plant-based healthy superfoods)
• Make sure you get enough sleep at night (click here if you have trouble sleeping)
• Try avoid or manage your stress (click here if you struggle with anxiety or depression)

Natural immune boosters

Everyone agrees that a healthy immune system is the place to start! Stronger immune systems can help people fight the virus, and may help keep many out of the hospital, leaving room for those with more severe cases. Herbal remedies can play a part in strengthening the immune system and Feelgood Health has two of the best! KiddieBoost for children and Immunity Plus for teens and adults contain especially selected herbs to boost the immune system and can also be used as a natural antibiotic alternative.

Herbal teas are also a great way to keep your immune system strong. Try sipping on a cup of delicious Yogi Organic Immune Support Tea which contains echinacea, elderberry, basil, ginger, cinnamon and cardomom. This is a soothing, warming and comforting tea to support the immune system.