Anxiety thrives on uncertainty.
And, as the coronavirus spreads, our unanswered questions can make us feel vulnerable or fearful. "Will it come to my community" or "Am I at risk?'
here are some tips to avoid getting a coronavirus or COVID-19
1. Plan ahead to feel more in control
Those of us prone to anxiety, like to be in control. So, if you take basic steps to prepare for the possibility of an outbreak in your community, you may feel a sense of relief. For instance, ask your employer about a work-from-home option. Be prepared for disruptions such as school closings. Have contingency plans for these disruptions. In addition, identify trusted sources of information you can turn to in the event of an outbreak.
2. Unplug. Learn to be in the moment
It's important to be in the know. But you don't need to obsess over the news. "There's a point where, information gathering could become problematic," says Stewart Shankman, a psychologist at Northwestern University who studies anxiety. He says it could have the unintended effect of driving up your fear.
3. Prioritize good sleep
While there's still a lot to learn about the new coronavirus, prior research has shown that well-rested people are better at fending off viruses.
For instance, when researchers sprayed a live common cold virus into the noses of a bunch of healthy people as part of a study, not everyone got sick. "Individuals who were sleeping the least were substantially more likely to develop a cold," study author Aric Prather, of the University of California, San Francisco told us when the study was published.
4.Ensure the appropriate use of PPE.
Oral health professionals who provide care to patients with respiratory illnesses should know how and when to use N95 disposable respirators and surgical masks. Clinicians and staff should also know how and when to use sterile gloves. Therefore, all members of the practice team should understand how to put on (don) and take off (doff) PPE to avoid accidental self-contamination; for example, between each glove change and between any contact with others, team members should refrain from touching their face, eyes or lips.
5. Screen patients and staff for upper respiratory infections.
During any flu season, practices should screen for signs of acute respiratory infection. With vigilance and preparation, it is possible to eliminate potential exposures by deferring ill patients until their health improves, and where that is not feasible, requiring coughing or sneezing individuals to don a mask. Practices should take advantage of patient-reminder calls to identify patients reporting flu-like symptoms and reschedule nonurgent visits.
If a patient screens positive for coronavirus, the local dental regulatory authority or public health agency can provide advice on what steps to take and whether a formal report is required.