Just imagine that you are going about your business and doing your thing, but then all of sudden you hear “Achoo!” or a loud cough that didn’t come from you is heard. It’s so close you feel the effects of it–ewww! So what do you do?
Nowadays, during this coronavirus pandemic, if someone coughs or sneezes on you, that actually may cause a fight since research confirms that COVID-19 can spread through droplets in the air.
More and more Covid-19 cases of the Omicron variant have been reported across the world. In the United States, it is now the dominant Covid strain, representing 78% of sequenced cases, data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published on Monday shows. It has effectively displaced the previously dominant delta variant, as feared by experts. Many countries have delayed, or altogether scrapped (for now) their plans for a full-fledge reopening.
This sudden surge in Omicron cases, which has been detected in around 90 countries, is hitting home. Here are the top five symptoms that patients reported
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Fatigue (mild or severe)
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
The cold-like symptoms reported three days after a positive test were not vastly different from those of the delta variant, researchers found. The early data suggests that omicron arrives with symptoms distinct from earlier variants, which caused more flu-like, initial symptoms.
So, we ask again, besides getting angry or fearful of what you may catch, what should you do?
Some medical experts have been through this and explain what should happen next.
First: Disinfect Yourself
Fredrick Sherman, a professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, shared a few helpful tips that can help. If someone has coughed on you and the droplets touch your face or hands, wash immediately. Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds.
Also, if you need to and have access to a bathroom or running water, wash off your face, neck or infected area so as not to have lingering effects of whatever virus the person may or may not have. Find out if the person has any other symptoms of the coronavirus, such as fever, fatigue, body aches, chills, or shortness of breath. If they do, you may need to reach out to your doctor and potentially self isolate yourself for 14 days to make sure you don’t have symptoms of COVID-19.
Second: Breathe Out & Avoid Long-term Exposure
“Immediately exhale to avoid inhaling droplets or aerosols. Purse your lips to make the exhaling last longer. Turn your head entirely away from the person and begin walking.”
This method won’t definitively protect you from COVID-19, but it could also