The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared that the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak that started in Wuhan, China, is a global health emergency. This means all nations must work together in stopping the spread of this new pathogen in order to prevent the widespread loss of life, most specifically in countries with vulnerable health-care systems.
Risk communication is one of the most potent weapons in fighting the spread of this virus, which, as of this writing has infected close to 12,000 individuals and caused the death of close to 300 people. Educating ourselves and taking steps to prevent infection is most certainly key.
For those who hit the gym and health clubs regularly as part of their fitness regimen—and would like to continue doing so, here are some practical measures that we can take to minimize the risk of infection not just to the 2019-nCoV, but to the flu, common cold and other viruses.
Wipe down gym equipment before and after use
Most reputable gyms will provide some sort of disinfectant spray along with a cloth or paper towels with which to wipe down dumbbells, barbells and machines. Put them to good use by wiping down all equipment before and after you use them.
Wash your hands
Let’s assume that despite the equipment wipe down, still some pathogens were left out and somehow landed on your hands. Proper handwashing with an anti-bacterial soap will get the job done and see to it that the pathogens go down the drain, and not into your system. Take note that this has to be done properly. Scrub your palms, the back of your hands, tips of your fingers and those spaces in between your digits.
Shun close contact with others
Human to human contact is an effective way to transmit viruses. Avoid speaking too closely, shaking hands, doing high fives and other forms of hand contact with other gym-goers. This may be a no-brainer but with adrenaline coursing through your veins in the heat of a workout, you might forget that high fiving your spotter may not be a good idea for now.
Avoid passing on unverified information
This may not be directly related to disease prevention, but please let us avoid passing on unverified and potentially false information to others. Just because something was passed on to you in a messaging app, or was posted by someone on social media from some web site or page means it is true. Only share information that was provided by reputable organizations, such as the WHO, Department of Health, the United States Center for Disease Control and other established medical organizations. Also, make sure a news story is published by an established and reliable news organization and not by some fly-by-night site that is only after clicks and reads. People acting on wrong information is never a good thing. It promotes irrational behavior that only exacerbates a bad situation.
Don’t panic
While it is good to take necessary precautions, let us also consider taking things in perspective and have a rational mindset. So far the 2019-nCoV has had a mortality rate of about 2 percent compared to the 9.6 percent of SARS in 2002-2003. A large number of people have already made a full recovery, with many of those who died being elderly or those already sick and with compromised immune systems. Let us go on with our lives, wash our hands more frequently and avoid touching our faces with unwashed hands. Let us all pull together in showing this disease the door.
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