Pandemic Preparedness

Although the WHO has not as yet declared a global pandemic, at this time we should move into preparedness mode. Fear and panic won’t help, but resourcefulness and preparedness will. Here are some helpful tips.

What’s the big deal; don’t more people die of seasonal flu?

COVID19 cannot validly be compared to the flu for the following reasons (and more):

It is far more infectious.
There is as yet no vaccine.
The mortality rate is around10-20x that of seasonal flu.
About 20% of infected people develop a severe illness requiring expensive hospital care, often in ICU. Left unchecked, it would completely overwhelm the healthcare system.
Seasonal flu is an enemy we know. COVID19 has many unknowns.
Isn’t it mostly old and sick people who die or get gravely ill?

Millions of people living with diabetes, heart disease, chronic respiratory conditions, or who are immunocompromised, are particularly at risk. These people are your friends, family, teachers, neighbors, coworkers, etc. Your actions can help protect them.

How do I protect myself and others?

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Maintain at least 3 ft distance.
Wash your hands frequently
Maintain at least 3 feet distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using soap and water or household cleanser
How do I prepare?

It is recommended to have a two-week supply of food and water for yourself and your pets. However, panic buying is not helpful. And standing in long queues with people who might be infectious is counterproductive. Therefore, stock up judiciously.
If you take a prescription medicine, try not to allow it to run too low. The same applies to birth control supplies and similar essentials. There could be supply chain issues, or you might be quarantined.
Similarly, try not to run too low in essential household supplies.

Do I need to wear a mask?

If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected COVID19 infection
Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.

See the video below for correct use of a mask

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ded_AxFfJoQ&feature=emb_logo

For more on this topic: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/main-focus-preventing-coronavirus-spread-should-be-hand-hygiene-not-n1144346

What about hand sanitizer?

Hand hygiene is the best way to protect yourself and others. By far the best way to practice hand hygiene is washing your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water. Soap destroys the lipid envelope of the virus. Hand sanitizer is helpful when you are out and about. I recommend Cleanwell brand for a non-toxic hand sanitizer. But I’ll also note that there has been panic buying of hand sanitizer; Cleanwell is out of stock locally and overpriced on Amazon. So here are a couple of links on making your own hand sanitizer:

https://wholefully.com/homemade-hand-sanitizer/

https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/make-your-own-diy-hand-sanitizer

Alakananda Ma M.B., B.S. (Lond.) is an Ayurvedic Doctor (NAMA) and graduate of a top London medical school. She is co-founder of Alandi Ayurveda Clinic and Alandi Ayurveda Gurukula in Boulder Colorado, as well as a spiritual mother, teacher, flower essence maker and storyteller. Alakananda is a well known and highly respected practitioner in the Ayurveda community both nationally and internationally.

Enliven your holistic health! Visit Alakananda Ma in Alandi Ashram’s ayurvedic clinic to support the overall rejuvenation of your body, mind, and spirit. In-person and virtual appointments available. Book now!