What Can I Do To Defend Myself Against COVID-19 Variants?

Experts feel it's especially important to be cautious now that numerous new COVID-19 variants are circulating. And now is the time to go all-in on the measures we know will protect us and others from the coronavirus. The potential of a virus to mutate is normal, and in many cases, the changes have minimal impact on how the virus infects humans or the severity of the symptoms. However, experts are concerned about a few changes in the most recent COVID-19 versions. These changes might make these variants more contagious, making it easier for people to get the virus. The virus, on the other hand, hasn't changed. It still transmits in the same way, therefore the public health instruments we had before would still be useful, as SELF indicated. Now, more than ever, we must put them to good use. Here are a few basic but crucial steps to take to protect yourself or others from coronavirus, especially new strains. Continue reading to learn more about how to defend yourself from various COVID versions.

How Can A Person Defend Against Different COVID-19 Variants?

The following are some of the methods that a person can defend oneself against the different COVID-19 variants:

• Wearing a Well-Fitting Mask 

Face masks are still an excellent way to protect oneself from COVID-19 and stop it from spreading. A mask acts as a physical barrier between you and other people's respiratory droplets, keeping you from breathing them in and spreading your own. Although the N95 and KN95 breathing masks are by far the best for this job, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends keeping them for health care professionals. The next most ideal mask will be three-layer face masks, followed by two- and three-layer fabric masks. Rather than relying just on cotton masks, public health officials are now advocating for better access to N95 respirators and face masks. Another option is to wear two masks at the same time, as some medical personnel does now to protect and extend the life of their N95s. Using two cloth masks, on the other hand, may make breathing difficult. For the time being, keep in mind that masks that cover you properly (i.e., firmly yet comfortably) are necessary and that a cotton mask with numerous layers will provide better protection. If you want to wear two masks and they don't restrict your breathing too much, this may be a better option than just one. However, neither the CDC nor other public health specialists are suggesting this to the general public at this time.

• Vaccinate Yourself As Soon As Feasible 

Two COVID-19 vaccines, one developed by Pfizer and BioNTech and the other by Moderna, have received emergency permission from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Both employ mRNA technology to stimulate an immune response in the body that protects you from COVID-19. And we now have proof that both vaccines are still effective against the most recent coronavirus strain in the UK.

• Hands Should be Washed Often

COVID-19 is spread via inhalation nanoparticles and respiratory droplets that can fall on the ground, grocery store items, doorknobs, and elevator buttons, for example. If someone comes into contact with one of those objects and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth, they may become infected. While fomite transmission isn't the major mode of COVID-19 infection, experts say it's still important to prevent it as much as possible. That means you should wash your hands and sterilize common areas regularly. Handwashing is especially important at certain times, such as before eating, touching your face, or using the toilet. If you can't wash your hands, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used instead (as long as it contains at least 60 percent alcohol).

Take Away

It's important to understand that just because you tested negative for COVID-19 doesn't mean you can skip the remainder of the steps on this checklist (including wearing a mask and social distancing).

Also read - What Concerns Scientists About The Omicron Variant?

Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.