Scientists often say that the world is long overdue a pandemic. In the past, diseases like the Bubonic plague, the Black Death, the Spanish Flu of 1819, etc. killed millions of people in their path.
Over the past decades, we’ve seen AIDS, SARS and a few other diseases kill people but nowhere on as large a scale as the plagues of the past. This is mostly due to the advent of technology and advances in medicine.
Nevertheless, scientists believe that it’s just a matter of time before a virus with a dangerous strain emerges and wipes out many people. It’s not a matter of if it will happen… but when it will happen.
In this article, you’ll be given 9 tips to follow to keep yourself safe should there be a pandemic.
- Avoid crowded places and other people.
The best way to minimize risk is to avoid others. You’ll never know who is infected.
- Wear masks and carry hand sanitizer
Don’t be embarrassed at appearing paranoid. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Wear N-95 masks if you travel on public transport or must go through a crowded area
- Prepare food at home
Avoid eating out. You’ll not know who is preparing your food. Cook at home and wash your meat and vegetables well.
- Cleanliness at home
Keep your house clean and disinfect common areas. Avoid wearing shoes into the house and tracking germs in. Wash all your street clothes as soon as you can.
- Avoid sexual intercourse with strangers
Avoid sleeping with someone you met at a bar or online. They may be infected. Even with your spouse or regular partner, it’s best to use protection, just in case they’re infected without their knowledge. Exchange of bodily fluids is one of the fastest ways to spread a disease.
- Wash your hands often and avoid touching your face
One of the simplest and most effective ways to stay safe is regular hand washing. Your hands come into contact with many objects that may have bacteria on them.
Handling money, holding a handrail, using an ATM to withdraw cash, pressing elevator buttons, etc. are all risky actions because many people before you would have come into contact with these objects.
- Do not share
Don’t share drinks, cigarettes, straws, food, makeup, utensils, etc. Minimize contact with others as much as possible. This is the cardinal rule. Avoid swimming pools and public beaches. Saunas, gyms, cinemas, churches, etc. are all no-go zones.
People are the main carriers of disease during a pandemic. You MUST sear this fact into your mind. Isolation from the world is dreary and depressing, but it’s necessary… until the pandemic is under control.
Even when buying items from the supermarket, always wash soda cans, canned items, plastic bottles, etc. You can never be too safe.
- Watch your pet
Do not let your pet roam outside freely. Give it a good bath and keep it at home. A pet that walks outside will pick up bacteria from outside. When it runs around your house, the germs will end up all over the place.
If you must walk your dog, always wash its feet thoroughly when you return. Disinfect the floors and areas where the dog lies down. You should have your pets vaccinated against rabies, etc. ahead of time.
Wash your hands after touching any animal.
- Air purifiers
Having a couple of these in your house will help to clean the air in your home and you’ll be safer.
Follow these pointers and you’ll reduce your risks considerably. Always remember to err on the side of caution. You can never be too safe.