HEALTH

FEATURE | HEALTH

Be a BIDA this Pandemic

Written by Mdpn. Anjo D. Tuboc

Invisible. Relentless. Contagious. The novel coronavirus.

It is an unseen enemy that stealthily infiltrated our Since the awaited vaccine is still in chemical trials, the territory and forced civilizations to shut down more than government is putting much effort to prevent the virus half of its world, sending us back to our homes to contain from spreading and protect the Filipinos from COVID-19 its spread. infection wherever they are. One of the measures they Known by many as the COVID-19 virus, it swiftly implemented is the easy to remember “BIDA Solusyon sa crippled our economy in a short period and brought COVID-19” guidelines. human beings to its knees, and struck fear in everyone’s heart. Even countries like China, United States, Spain, What is BIDA Solusyon sa COVID-19? and Italy were overwhelmed despite their much advance It is a campaign of the Department of Health that medical equipment, scientific innovations, technological promotes the active role of every Filipino in the fight advancements, and expensive modern facilities. against COVID-19 by practicing the following behaviors, The pieces of information that people are sure which they simplified into four letters: of today are that it is a human to human transmission and manifested in flu-like symptoms such as fever, B - Bawal walang mask (Not wearing of mask is cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath similar to the prohibited). SARS coronavirus that caused harm from 2002-2003. Not wearing face masks in public places is The only difference was that COVID-19 had a broader prohibited. According to the Centers for Disease Control disease spectrum, leading to mild and moderate illness. and Prevention, wearing face masks reduces potential The challenge to contain this virus is more difficult since exposure risk from an infected person, whether they have people can carry and spread the virus without displaying symptoms or not. According to recent studies, wearing any symptoms. N95 masks reduces transmission by 96% while 67% for As of November 2020, the virus continuously the non-N95 face masks. spreads, with around 400,000 coronavirus cases and approximately 8,000 deaths recorded in the Philippines. I - I-sanitize ang mga kamay, iwas-hawak sa mga bagay Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in the Philippines, (Sanitize your hands, refrain from touching things). the government has sought to contain the virus Handwashing with soap and water for 20 seconds is through strict community quarantine measures. an effective way to sanitize yourself. The use of 60 percent

ethyl and 70 percent isopropyl alcohol is advisable for quick disinfection at all times. Also, avoid touching things, especially in public places.

D - Dumistansya ng isang metro (Distance yourself a meter away from others).

The observance of physical distancing by at least one meter can reduce the chance of transmission by 82%, and a further increase in distance can also increase the protection. It also reminds the people to limit themselves to going to crowded places.

A - Alamin ang totoong impormasyon (Determine factual information).

Check the information given if they are from reliable sources, and don’t trust information that is only forwarded to you. It is essential to be updated, take proper actions, and adhere to the safety standards imposed to be safe. Furthermore, it also encourages the public to stay hydrated and always bring drinking water with you. During their campaign, the DOH explained that following these guidelines and adopting the minimum health standards as a behavioral lifestyle can lower the chances of virus transmission by 96%. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to disturb and disrupt lives, and as people enter the new normal, they are all gradually seeing a shift in their lifestyles as their days in quarantine drags on. People realized the sad truth that everyone is vulnerable; however, amidst the uncertainties, as people struggle to transition, the spirit of Filipino resilience and camaraderie is still evident as they guarantee that no one is left behind as they continue to live. This campaign makes people realize that in this battle against this deadly virus, they can contribute and be a part of the change and be a “BIDA” for everyone else regardless of who they are.

Photos courtesy to DOH & signsofthelastdays.org

WHAT IS COVID-19?

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.

SYMPTOMS

According to WHO, the most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness and dry cough. Few patients experience aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. Patients usually have mild symptoms that start gradually. Most patients recover without needing any special treatment.

TRANSMISSION

COVID-19 is transmitted from person to person via droplets, contact, and fomites. It is transmitted when one individual talks, sneezes, or coughs producing ‘droplets’ of saliva containing the COVID-19 virus. These droplets are then inhaled by another person.

Source: https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/coronavirusdisease-covid-19