The Novel Coronavirus is a new strain originating from Wuhan City (China). We at the Medical Wellness Association (MWA) and the Family Hygiene Institute (FHI) regard any global outbreak as something we must conquer through educating our communities on how to protect themselves via effective preventive measures.
Wash and dry your hands regularly
To ensure real efficacy, make sure to wash your hands with proven anti-bacterial soap and then dry them with a fresh paper towel or tissue. Damp and used cloth towels are a breeding ground for germs.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth when in public places
Your eyes, nose and mouth are entry points for germs and viruses into your bodies. While a thorough hand washing should neutralize the threat of infection, you should still avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands, especially when in a public place.
Use a STERILIZED tissue to cover your mouth & nose when sneezing or coughing
Make sure to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue, when coughing or sneezing. BUT: Ordinary tissues are often manufactured under unsanitary conditions; and can be laden with germs and viruses. Given tissue products touch your eyes, nose, mouth and other intimate parts of your body, it is important to choose your tissues wisely! Endeavor to use ONLY sterilized tissue products. The word “Sterilized” should appear prominently on the tissue package. For further information on sterilized tissues, please visit the
MWA Website.
Probably the single most important tool in the fight against infection is the surgical face mask, but most ordinary masks only filter dust and might prove ineffective. Instead, look for disinfectant or self-sterilizing face masks that are specifically designed for infection prevention. Avoid touching the mask with your hands while it’s on your face and remember to wash your hands after removing the mask from your face.
Choose your home and personal care products wisely
When buying products for personal or home care, make sure to choose reputable products that put emphasis on anti-bacterial properties, that are sterilized and promote health & hygiene as their key benefit. Disinfection is the best prevention of infection.
Practice good food safety when preparing and cooking raw meat
Use different chopping boards and knives for raw meats and cooked foods, wash your hands between handling raw food and cooked food, ensure meat is not undercooked prior to consumption, once cooked, place your prepared food on sterilized paper towels to reduce the risk of surface borne infections.
Avoid sharing eating utensils
While common in some cultures, the sharing of eating utensils, such as cups and cutlery can lead to the spread of germs and viruses. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid sharing these utensils with other people.
Actively strengthen your immunity to fight off pathogens
While all the above preventive tips are robust and effective, there is no 100% guarantee that you or your loved ones may not be infected. There is no substitute for having a strong and healthy immune system, which can be achieved by: (a) proper nutrition rich in vitamins and minerals, (b) reducing smoking, (c) reducing alcohol consumption, (d) regular exercise
