Coronavirus: Steps you can take to protect yourself from COVID-19 and its variants

Over a year has gone by since the news of the novel coronavirus broke out into the world. While many succumbed to the impact of the deadly virus, millions of people have also managed to survive the pandemic. However, the dangers of COVID-19 have not yet settled in and with new variants looming over our heads, experts and medical professionals suggest extra caution and care. Surely we're all aware of the COVID rules and the precautionary measures we must take to contain the spread of the virus, but nevertheless here's a fresh reminder to how you can protect yourself from COVID-19 and its new variants.

One of the easiest ways to contract the virus is through physical contact and/or aerosol transmission. Being in the company of more than one person only increases your chance of catching the virus and spreading it to other people. That said, it becomes extremely important that you avoid public gatherings and maintain social distancing at crowded places.

While many myths surrounding the use of masks continue to circulate amidst the public, it is still one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from COVID-19. A well-fitting mask acts as a barrier between you and a person infected with the deadly virus. It prevents you from inhaling other people's respiratory droplets and prevents you from transmitting your aerosol droplets to others, hence containing the spread of the virus.

SARs-COV-2 can spread through touch. Whether you visit a grocery store or go for a stroll in the park, the invisible virus may be everywhere and while you cannot see it, you must be vigilant and careful about the same. Therefore, it is important that you wash your hands regularly and sanitize them whenever you're out in the open.

Besides washing your hands, you must also steer clear of frequently touched surfaces that can be contaminated. That said, you can disinfect and sanitise areas that are common for public use or atleast clean the areas that are the most touched.

A clean air and surrounding is crucial when it comes to protecting yourself from COVID-19. Considering the novel coronavirus can also spread via airborne transmission, it is likely that the aerosol particles may linger in the air for a long period of time, making people likely to contract the virus. By resorting to good ventilation, you not only secure your space but reduce the chances for both droplet and airborne transmission to take place.

Many times, we waver off cold symptoms for being just another winter chill. But experts and doctors suggest that we get yourself tested as and when we develop symptoms that are similar to COVID-19 symptoms. By doing so, we not only increase our chances of survival but also limit the spread of the virus.

Considering a vaccine is our only way to combat the novel coronavirus, it is crucial that you get the jab. While many side effects have surfaced following it's roll out, one must go through the fact sheet provided by the authorities and then decide whether to call the shots or not.