Would Self-isolation Save you From Coronavirus (Covid-19)?

As the virus continues to infect more people, the health officials are advising people to stay at home. Anyone who exhibits mild symptoms is directed to self-isolate himself at home. But is this self-isolation helpful to prevent coronavirus? Maybe yes, maybe not, here is everything that you need to know about self-isolation at home.

The statement from the Australian health department has advised that all people who are expecting any symptoms should self-isolate themselves from their family. The Health Direct also said that if you suspect that you have come in contact with any person who has been tested positive for coronavirus, you must remain in an isolation. It further said that even if you are tested negative for coronavirus, you should complete the isolation period of 14 days.

Click here to read the complete recommendations issued by the Australian government’s Health Direct.

People in self-isolation whether or not they are tested positive for the virus should not go out. They should remain in their bedrooms and shouldn’t interact with any family member. You can go out to the garden but whenever you feel like sneezing or coughing, make sure that you do not infect anyone around you or any surface around you. Since coronavirus is not an airborne infection, breathing in the air would not transmit it to others. Only if this virus lands on a surface, by cough and sneeze, it could spread to other people.

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This means, whenever you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth with a tissue paper or hands. Do not touch any doorknob or handle these infected hands as this virus could be passed on to the next person who touches it. So it is better to wash your hands with soap or use a sanitizer before touching any object or surface, after sneezing.

If you are tested positive, do not take your pets out for a walk even if you are wearing a mask. Do not put your kids to the bed, ask other family members to help. The self-isolation means to confine yourself into one room. Whenever you are to go to a communal space, you should use face masks but do not contact anyone. There is no need to wear a face mask when you are inside your bedroom.

If anyone enters the bedroom or opens the door of your room, they cant get the virus. But when they touch anything that has been touched by an infected person, they are at risk of getting the virus. It is necessary to sanitize or disinfect the surfaces, wash utensils or laundry immediately after an infected person touches them.

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The self-isolation may be problematic as this period could leave un-invited effects on one’s mental health along with physical effects i.e. lack of mobility. People may gain weight, feel inactive or brain fog during this time. But for a pandemic like a coronavirus, which has high evidence of community-based spread, it is necessary to take all necessary preventive measures.