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The Hand Sanitizer

Sanitizers with more than 60% alcohol can instantly disinfect the skin provided it is rubbed until dried. A highly concentrated solution of sanitizer when poured onto Coronavirus disables the hydrophobic effect, which enables the lipids to hold together, and gives the molecules room to move around. This is more like a crushing effect and happens in a matter of 2-5 seconds.

The Soap

A single drop of any kind of soap contains quadrillions of molecules called amphiphiles. These amphiphiles resemble lipids that form the shell of the virus. When soap comes in contact with the virus, the tails of amphiphiles compete with lipids for space, and, as a result, the outermost layer of the virus breaks. The amphiphiles then form a layer around particles of the virus, and these layered particles can be simply washed away with water.

Hand Sanitizer vs Soap

Scientists recommend washing hands with soap and water whenever possible as it also removes the dirt particles that could otherwise hide the virus. Also, it is highly convenient to cover your hands in soap and water. Of course, sanitizers are more convenient to use on the go, and, therefore, should be used when one doesn\’t have access to the sink. Sanitizers, however, are ineffective if too little is used or wiped off before drying up. Either of the two is effective in killing the novel Coronavirus, but I would recommend that you wash your hands if you have access to the sink.

The Silver Lining

Of course, the coronavirus is deadly, the effects are scary, the economic conditions are disturbing, but amidst all, smog has given way to clear blue sky, the ozone hole has suddenly disappeared, and interestingly, Ganga has purified itself to an extent where millions of rupees and hundreds of cleaning missions could not reach. Reports say that pollution decreases human lives by 3 years.

The positive changes are not only confined to the envIronment alone but the fact that people are forgetting all their religious, monetary, and territorial differences and coming forward to help each other selflessly, showcasing fraternity and moving ahead to the path of becoming better humans and constructing a better society. This shall not only make the earth a better place to live in but also set an example for the coming generations.

The bright side for us

The limited options available due to lockdown have made the situation difficult. Has it not brought an opportunity to innovate, to find a way ahead with what we have. Being scared to eat outside food, people have learned the health benefits of eating freshly cooked homemade meals, the pleasure of cooking together, eating together, and above all no wastage of food at all. People are learning to stay fit without heading to the fitness centers. Also, there has been a new trend of using locally manufactured products. These local products are no less than the expensive imported stuff and if consumed regularly would help to boost the economy. This is the time for us to go #Vocal4Local.

Stay positive

The pandemic is disastrous and capable of destroying the world. But if tackled properly, the destruction can be minimized. People should take the situation seriously, follow safety instructions, and stay aware. COVID -19 is teaching us lessons for life. By sighting real-time examples of “less is more” and “together we can”, Coronavirus is a blessing in disguise!!!

\”We socialize, therefore, we are. \” This phrase is apt for humans. We have always been a social being. Since the time we were hunter-gatherers, having trusted relationships increased our chances of survival. But now, since, we have been behind closed doors for months, not only do we face economic recession but also a social one as well. The decline in our social interaction might have brought a change in our mental and physical health. This change, and the collapse in our social contacts, can be termed as Social Recession.

The Cause

Social contact is a key component of our growth and humans cannot survive on their own. The condition in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, are the social determinants of health. Social connection is the fuel that helps us address the challenges in our lives and helps us to come out of our cocoons.

But when these connections are threatened, a cascade of stress hormones is triggered that produce well-orchestrated physiological changes such as increased heart rate, increased muscle tension, and thickening of the blood, and together they are called the fight-or-flight response, which has evolved as a survival mechanism enabling us to cope with physical and psychological threats. A recent study published in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews revealed that people who are more socially isolated have higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen (a soluble protein that helps blood to clot), both of which are associated with chronic inflammation and poor physical and mental health.

Be advised

If the prevalence rates of social isolation and loneliness remain elevated, such changes are more likely to lead to a greater public health burden in the longer term. Economic slowdowns are easily measured, but it\’s difficult to quantify social recession. As people around the world retreat behind closed doors and sever connections with others, the damage it causes could be no less profound and long-lasting. It\’s high time that we acknowledge this problem. It\’s quite normal to feel anxious and lonely, but remember, we are all in this together. This too shall pass and till then, put the focus back on your self-care, eat well, exercise regularly, find ways to calm yourself, follow your hobbies, meditate and most importantly Relax.

Quitting helps-Quit, a programme run by Cancer Council Victoria with support from Victorian Department of Health in Australia, says, \”If you previously smoked and have now quit, it’s likely you’ll have a lower risk of severe complications (if you were infected) than you would have if you were still smoking…It’s well-established that stopping smoking improves lung function within a few months. The best thing you can do for your health is to stop smoking.\”

The WHO acknowledges that it is normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or angry during a crisis, but advises not to use smoking, alcohol or other drugs to deal with one’s emotions. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a health worker or counsellor, it says.
Until the time the pandemic is under control, experts advise that even one cigarette a day shouldn’t be an option. Smokers should stop smoking immediately, at least till the pandemic is over and the threat of catching the infection is looming large. In fact, there cannot be a better time than the COVID-19 outbreak to quit smoking completely.

It turns out that ditching the commute and working from home in your sweats is not all it’s cracked up to be.

Juggling your work and home life, Zoom calls instead of in-person meetings and possibly parenting and home schooling kids, it’s no wonder Americans are exhausted.

In fact, in a recent Monster survey, 51% of respondents admitted to experiencing burnout while working from home during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Their home, which is normally a sanctuary and place to rest and relax with family, has instantly morphed into their office,” said Vicki Salemi, a Monster career expert.

That’s despite taking breaks for self-care throughout the day: 71% of those surveyed said they were stepping away from work for things like walks or spending time with family.

The culprit: a lack of structure and routine to your work day, Salemi said.

On top of that, we are isolated from those outside our immediate family, facing uncertainty about our health and the status of the virus, and parents are parenting all the time, added licensed psychologist Melissa L. Whitson, an associate professor of psychology at the University of New Haven in Connecticut.

There is also financial anxiety. While those working remotely still have a job, as opposed to the more than 30 million Americans who have filed unemployment claims since March, there is the threat that they, too, could lose their paycheck or have their salary cut at some point if the recession continues, she said.

“There is still that, ‘I need to work while I’m making money now and also to show that I am a good employee so they keep me on,’” Whitson said. “There is that added pressure onto it.”

1.Do not refer to people with the disease as “COVID-19 cases”, “victims” “COVID-19 families” or “the diseased”. They are “people who have COVID-19”, “people who are being treated for COVID-19”, or “people who are recovering from COVID-19”, and after recovering from COVID-19
their life will go on with their jobs, families and loved ones. It is important to separate a person from having an identity defined by COVID-19, in order to reduce stigma.

2. Minimize watching, reading or listening to news about COVID-19 that causes you to feel anxious or distressed; seek information only from trusted sources and mainly so that you can take practical steps to prepare your plans and protect yourself and loved ones. Get the facts; not rumours and misinformation. Facts can help to minimize the fear.

3.Protect yourself and be supportive to others. Assisting others in their time of need can benefit both the person receiving support and the helper. For example, check by telephone on neighbours
or people in your community who may need some extra assistance. Working together as one community can help to create solidarity in addressing COVID-19 together.

4. Find opportunities to amplify positive and hopeful stories and positive images of local people who have experienced COVID-19. For example, stories of people who have recovered or who have supported a loved one and are willing to share their experience.

5. Honour carers and healthcare workers supporting people affected with COVID-19 in your community. Acknowledge the role they play in saving lives and keeping your loved ones safe.

Message for the healthcare workers:

1.Feeling under pressure is a likely experience for you and many of your colleagues. It is quite normal to be feeling this way in the current situation. Stress and the feelings associated with it are by no means a reflection that you cannot do your job or that you are weak. Managing your mental health and psychosocial well-being during this time is as important as managing your physical health.

2. Take care of yourself at this time. Try and use helpful coping strategies such as ensuring sufficient rest and respite during work or between shifts, eat sufficient and healthy food, engage in physical activity, and stay in contact with family and friends. Avoid using unhelpful coping strategies such as
use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs. In the long term, these can worsen your mental and physical well-being. The COVID-19 outbreak is a unique and unprecedented scenario for many workers,particularly if they have not been involved in similar responses. Even so, using strategies that have worked for you in the past to manage times of stress can benefit you now. You are the person most likely to know how you can de-stress and you should not be hesitant in keeping yourself psychologically well. This is not a sprint; it’s a marathon.

3.Some healthcare workers may unfortunately experience avoidance by their family or community owing to stigma or fear. This can make an already challenging situation far more difficult. If possible, staying connected with your loved ones, including through digital methods, is one way to maintain contact. Turn to your colleagues, your manager or other trusted persons for social support – your colleagues may be having similar experiences to you.

4. Use understandable ways to share messages with people with intellectual, cognitive and psychosocial disabilities. Where possible, include forms of communication that do not rely solely on written information.

Messages for older adults, people with underlying health conditions and their carers:

1.Older adults, especially in isolation and those with cognitive decline/dementia, may become more anxious, angry, stressed, agitated and withdrawn during the outbreak or while in quarantine.Provide practical and emotional support through informal networks (families) and health
professionals.

2.Share simple facts about what is going on and give clear information about how to reduce risk of infection in words older people with/without cognitive impairment can understand. Repeat the
information whenever necessary. Instructions need to be communicated in a clear, concise, respectful and patient way. It may also be helpful for information to be displayed in writing or
pictures. Engage family members and other support networks in providing information and helping people to practise prevention measures (e.g. handwashing, etc.).

3.If you have an underlying health condition, make sure to have access to any medications that you are currently using. Activate your social contacts to provide you with assistance, if needed.

Messages for people in isolation :

1. Stay connected and maintain your social networks. Try as much as possible to keep your personal daily routines or create new routines if circumstances change. If health authorities have
recommended limiting your physical social contact to contain the outbreak, you can stay connected via telephone, e-mail, social media or video conference.

2. During times of stress, pay attention to your own needs and feelings. Engage in healthy activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. Exercise regularly, keep regular sleep routines and eat healthy food. Keep things in perspective. Public health agencies and experts in all countries are working on the outbreak to ensure the availability of the best care to those affected .

3. A near-constant stream of news reports about an outbreak can cause anyone to feel anxious or distressed. Seek information updates and practical guidance at specific times during the day from health professionals and WHO website and avoid listening to or following rumours that make you feel uncomfortable.