Viruses constantly evolve, and the COVID-19 virus is no exception. Since its initial identification, it has been continuously mutating, leading to the emergence of new, highly infectious strains. Discovered from late 2020 to early 2021, these strains proliferated rapidly, primarily due to the global challenge in containing the pandemic. While generally not more fatal than their predecessors, they exhibit significantly higher infectivity. As the past year has shown, virus spikes occur when individuals relax safety guidelines and governments ease enforcement of lockdown measures.
Vaccines offer a beacon of hope at the end of this nightmare. However, with only a small fraction of the Philippine population vaccinated, achieving herd immunity remains a distant goal. Therefore, to effectively safeguard yourself and prevent the spread of current and emerging COVID-19 strains, it's crucial to adopt additional preventive measures.
Here are four vital ways you can better secure yourself against COVID-19 right now:
The newer COVID-19 strains are significantly more contagious. This means that common interactions in public spaces – such as streets, grocery stores, and shared living areas – carry a higher risk of infection.
Even a small dose can lead to infection with these new strains. Therefore, always keep a hand sanitizer with you to disinfect immediately after visiting these locations. Beyond frequently sanitizing your hands, it's also advisable to disinfect surface areas that could potentially harbor COVID-19 or other infectious elements.
Handwashing became a global habit last year, and with the spread of new strains, now is not the time to relax your vigilance in thoroughly washing your hands with soap and warm water.
If you anticipate being in a congested area and typically wear a lightweight mask, doubling your mask can be an excellent protective choice.
Health specialists confirm that wearing two masks can considerably reduce the likelihood of contaminated droplets reaching your nasal passages, especially if you usually opt for thinner fabric masks.
We've all become familiar with the concept of our "social bubbles" during this pandemic. However, that bubble is often much larger than you might perceive.
Your bubble encompasses everyone you have direct contact with, plus all the people they came into contact with. In essence, it grows exponentially. It logically follows that the individuals within your bubble must be people you trust to be free of infection and who are actively working to prevent its spread.
As newer strains of COVID-19 continue to circulate, it's imperative to regulate your social bubbles with even greater diligence. Simply put: consistently follow physical distance guidelines and practice self-quarantine or isolation when necessary. The more mindful people are of their social bubbles, the faster the curve will flatten.
Globally, over 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have already been administered.
If you are qualified to receive the vaccine – whether you're part of an at-risk group or a frontline worker – get vaccinated as soon as you can. Vaccination is crucial to curb the prominence of this pandemic and will significantly help in defeating the new strains.
Defeating COVID-19 in the Philippines is undoubtedly a challenging endeavor, but there is strength in numbers and in the collective responsibility of individuals within the demographic. Be responsible for your own safety and actively seek ways to empower others to do the same.
SPC Medical Center has consistently played its part, evident in our state-of-the-art facilities. Stay safe by getting checked up at one of the safest hospitals in the region.
For more information, please contact the hospital at +63493101100 or email inquiry@spcmc.com.ph.
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After COVID-19 exposure, immediately self-quarantine and get tested around five days post-contact to ensure accuracy, even if asymptomatic. Regardless of an initial negative result, complete a 14-day quarantine to prevent potential late onset of infection.