Hyderabad: Rising COVID-19 cases has brought a sense of fear amongst people worldwide, especially people who are at a higher risk of getting infected by the novel coronavirus. The novel coronavirus is a respiratory virus and thus, those suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) may witness severe complications than others and therefore, it becomes important for them to take proper care and keep away from any way of getting exposed to the virus.
Therefore, Respiratory Health Association recommends the following measures that can be practised by people having COPD:
- Stock up everyday supplies at home like groceries at home. If necessary, ask someone to bring you the goods instead of you stepping out yourself
- Stock up on supply of your prescribed medications
- If you are dependent on supplemental oxygen, check with your supplier and ensure that your requirements are fulfilled on time
- Try and avoid any kind of contact with others as much as possible
- Maintain a proper hygiene routine for anyone entering your house. They should sanitize themselves before any kind of contact
- DO NOT step out unless very necessary, like in case of visiting a health care provider. In that case, maintain a 6 feet distance, wear a mask and wash/sanitize your hands often
- Even when at home, wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer
- Disinfect the surfaces like tables, remotes, mobile phones, etc regularly, which may contain germs
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Follow proper cough hygiene, like covering your cough, using a disposable tissue and disposing it in a covered bin, etc.
- QUIT SMOKING. It is important to let your respiratory system breathe clean, especially during this time. In case you contract COVID-19, require a strong respiratory system
Hence, taking a little extra care of yourself amidst the COVID-19 outbreak won’t really hurt anyone. Being at a higher risk, COPD patients must dedicatedly follow all the precautions and keep their respiratory system as strong as possible.
Also, read:Blood donation in the wake of lockdown
