8 Tips for OFWs to Avoid Contracting MERS-CoV
Jun 17, 2015
MERS-CoV or Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus had affected and claimed many lives as well. It first caused alarm in Middle East countries and yet, the cause is still unknown.
Recent news had reported a number of MERS-CoV cases in Seoul, South Korea. With this, the Philippine Embassy in Seoul had given tips for Filipinos to avoid acquiring the disease.
Here are the 8 tips to avoid contracting MERS-CoV:
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Practice proper hand hygiene always by washing the hands with soap rubbing with alcohol before and after eating; before and after handling, cooking and preparing food; after coughing, sneezing and using the toilets; and after touching animals.
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Practice proper cough etiquette by covering the mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing and disposing the used tissue properly.
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Avoid contact with farm and domesticated animals as possible, including camels.
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Avoid contact with sick or infected people with MERS-CoV. If with respiratory illness, stay at home and wear surgical mask.
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If a health worker, strictly follow infection control protocols at work.
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Immediately visit your doctor, a hospital or a healthcare facility if with symptoms of MERS-CoV, like persistent coughing.
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If you were in close contact with a MERS-CoV patient, comply with local health regulations and postpone any trip abroad until after test results are negative.
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Practice healthy habits like having a regular exercise, balanced and nutritional diet, and adequate sleep of at least eight hours to help strengthen your body’s immunity.
Though the World Health Organization (WHO) has not yet declared any outbreak of MERS-CoV in South Korea, the Philippine Embassy is calling out to all Filipinos in the country to practice the tips stated for precautionary measures. As said, prevention is better than cure.
Related article: DOH Tells How to Avoid MERS Virus