At home, in our cars, public places or even at our workplace, there are presence of microorganisms which are non-visible to our eyes. These can spread easily through various human and environmental factors.
Much more than the corona virus which is drawing the attention in the world at the moment, there are countless numbers of other bacteria, viruses and fungi which are also harmful, and can exist in our home and workplace. These microorganisms may or may not show immediate signs of how they affect us but may have long/short term effect on us which could lead to acute and chronic health conditions.
We could be exposed to microorganisms through inhalation, physical contacts or through ingestion. These can cause a wide range of health issues with some of the symptoms such as;
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Fever
- Flu-like illness
- Allergies
- Rashes
- Respiratory distress etc.
Flashpoints to watch out for possible contact includes contaminated surfaces such as handrails, door handles, mobile phones, hand bags, keys, desk surfaces, keyboards, faucets, toilet seats etc.
Some of these microorganisms are airborne and droplet borne, as a result of human to human transmission from coughing/ sneezing, transmission from ventilation systems, water vapor particles from taps and even the toilet when we flush.
It is therefore important that we take considerable care of our environment as much as we strive to curb the spread. Personal and environmental hygiene is a moral and civil obligation, and we must commit ourselves to keep ourselves and the campus community safe.
TIPS TO CONSIDER
- Take care of your personal belongings
Be mindful where you drop and pick them especially in public areas. It could be on the floor, on the lawn while at the park, on a table while eating, the wash basin in the toilet etc. our personal belongings has a high possibility of moving germs from contaminated areas to wherever we go.
- Personal Hygiene
Do not restrict the hand hygiene campaign only for the corona virus. we cannot be too careful about not touching things in our environment. It could be documents, the stapler, the door handle, the car steering wheel or even the napkin we use to wipe our desk. We cannot eliminate the fact that we have to touch surfaces and possibly share items but we can make a routine to sanitize or wash our hands frequently.
- Take care of others by caring for yourself.
We should consult a medical expert when we have health symptoms which could be physical or allergic. Early detection and control mean we can protect those around us while working or at home, based on the advice/treatment from the doctor.
- General Amenities
Consider your environment and those around you, as the actions we take or refuse to take may have an impact on others. It could be improper coughing/sneezing etiquette, inappropriate use of general amenities such as dining areas, toilet, waiting areas etc. We should consider the health and hygiene of those who may use these amenities after us.
- Waste Disposal
Waste bins are breeding grounds for germs, bacteria and insects which could transport them. Hence, waste bins are significant to every area. Contaminated waste such as face mask, gloves, used tissues paper, etc. should be disposed into the yellow bin; food waste disposed into the bins with black bags; and recyclable waste such as paper, plastic etc. can be disposed in the bins with the white bags.