What You Need To Know To Avoid Being Infected With The Coronavirus

With the outbreak of the Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) that has taken over the world by storm in recent weeks, it’s clear that everyone is taking extra precautionary measures to keep both their loved ones and themselves safe. Surgical and N95 masks have been flying off the shelves at major retail pharmacies with little or none left to spare — leaving many in a state of panic.

BUT THE REAL QUESTION IS, ARE YOU BUYING THE RIGHT MASK?

It’s been revealed in an article by The Straits Times last week that surgical masks should be used in place of N95 masks to protect ourselves from the coronavirus.

Reason being: Surgical masks “are meant to help block large-particle droplets and splatter from reaching the wearer’s mouth and nose, and reduce exposure of the wearer’s saliva and respiratory secretions to others.” Whereas “N95 masks, which are tighter fitting, are designed to effectively filter airborne particles. They have been used in Singapore during haze situations,” says Ministry of Health group director of operations Koh Peng Keng for The Straits Times.

WHERE TO BUY

Though, when all hope seems lost, it has been reassured that “the Government has a stockpile of such items that can last for more than six months” and many retailers are working on stocking up on these masks for purchase this week. So fret not, ahead, we’ve listed out some of the few places you can procure these surgical masks stat.

GUARDIAN — currently out of stock
NTUC FAIRPRICE — from $7.90 (currently out of stock) (3 pieces)
SHOPEE — from $12.80 (50 pieces)
LAZADA — from $3.80 (10 pieces)
AMAZON — from $1.37 (10 pieces)
WATSONS — from $2.50 (30 pieces)
EZBUY — from $11.19 (50 pieces)
QOO10 — from $12.80 (50 pieces)

EXTRA PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES

If you think a surgical mask isn’t enough to avoid the coronavirus, then it’s time to amp up your line of defence. Other precautionary measures you should take into consideration to avoid contracting the virus include the following:

USING AN EAR THERMOMETER TO CHECK ON YOUR TEMPERATURE

OMRON Ear Thermometer TH-839S, $79. Available at Shopee.

Notice any symptoms of a fever? To be safe, use an ear thermometer to check up on your temperature regularly and visit a doctor if you display any symptoms of the virus. According to The Guardian, symptoms of the coronavirus include:

persistent coughing
fever
breathing difficulties/chest pain

SANITISING YOUR HANDS REGULARLY

Though it may seem like common sense to some, instilling the habit of washing your hands regularly should be a practice that you should keep in mind at all times. To avoid falling sick, wash your hands thoroughly, with soap, before lathering and rinsing it off.

Babyganics Hand Sanitizer, $8.80. Available at Shopee.

Otherwise, you can also opt for a more convenient option such as using a hand sanitiser like Babyganics Hand Sanitiser to keep the bacteria at bay.

INVESTING IN AN AIR PURIFIER

Besides cleaning and disinfecting your surroundings, taking that extra step in purifying the air at the comfort of your home or office with an air purifier is something worth considering.

Philips Air Purifier Series 800 AC0820 with Free HEPA Filter, $299. Available at Shopee.

For example, Philips Air Purifier Series 800 AC0820 with Free HEPA Filter!

Dyson Pure Cool Me Personal Purifier Fan, $499. Available at Dyson.

Or even Dyson’s Pure Cool Me Personal Purifier Fan that cools you with purified air and gets rid of gases, pollutants and allergens.

SUFFICIENT VITAMIN INTAKE

To guard yourself against falling into the hands of this deadly virus, it’s important to note that building on a strong immune system also contributes to your line of defence against the coronavirus.

Sambucol Kids Vitamins, $42.75. Available at Shopee.

For a daily dose of vitamins, look over to Sambucol Kids Vitamins which comes with added Vitamin C and Propolis, and helps prevent possible infections and maintains a healthy body system.