Covid-19: How can I protect myself?
Updated onMartina Feichter studied biology with an elective subject pharmacy in Innsbruck and also immersed herself in the world of medicinal plants. From there it was not far to other medical topics that still captivate her to this day. She trained as a journalist at the Axel Springer Academy in Hamburg and has been working for since 2007 - first as an editor and since 2012 as a freelance writer.
More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.
The new corona virus has now spread worldwide. However, the number of cases developed very differently in the individual countries. In Germany they are currently in decline. Nevertheless, the Robert Koch Institute still rates the health hazard as very high. Read here how you can protect yourself and others from infection and what the status of drugs and vaccines against Sars-CoV-2 is!
How can I protect myself and others?
The tips for preventing infection are basically the same as those recommended for the flu (influenza) and other acute respiratory diseases. On the one hand, experts advise reducing social contacts as much as possible (e.g. only meeting in small groups instead of with a large number of other people) and staying at home in the event of acute respiratory symptoms. On the other hand, you should absolutely adhere to the AHA + L rules:
A - keep your distance
In public spaces (bus, supermarket, park, etc.), keep a minimum distance of 1.5 meters from other people. Avoid shaking hands and hugs when greeting and saying goodbye to other people.
H - observe hygiene rules
You should always cough and sneeze into a disposable handkerchief or the crook of your arm. Then dispose of the disposable handkerchief in the garbage.
In addition, you should not put your hands in your face - especially your nose, mouth and eyes. If you got viruses on your hands beforehand (e.g. by touching a door handle or the handrail on the bus), you could transfer them to your mucous membranes. From there, the pathogens can enter the body.
Also very important - wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, for 20 to 30 seconds and then dry them carefully). This is especially true:
- When you come home,
- after coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose,
- before preparing food and before eating,
- after going to the toilet,
- before and after contact with sick people as well
- if possible before and after putting on the mask.
Soap and water are sufficient for washing. In contrast, disinfectants do not offer any general hygienic benefits in private households, judges the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR). In addition, these products involve health risks (e.g. allergies) and can promote the development of resistance in pathogens.
The targeted use of disinfectants in private households is advisable if someone with Covid 19 is cared for at home. When doing this, adhere to the medical recommendations!
A - wear a mask in everyday life
In certain situations there is an increased risk of infection - for example, if the recommended minimum distance of 1.5 meters from other people cannot be maintained. Then wear a medical face mask (surgical mask) or an FFP2 mask (or KN95 or N95 mask) - please observe the regulations in force at the respective location. It is also important that the mask fits well.
L - ventilate regularly
In closed interiors, you should ventilate regularly - i.e. several times a day - for an average of 10 to 15 minutes each time (rule of thumb for intermittent ventilation). Cross ventilation (draft) works best with the windows wide open. Then the air in the room is quickly exchanged for fresh air.
How do I know if I am infected?
The following symptoms can indicate an infection with SARS-CoV-2:
- fever
- cough
- sniffles
- Loss of smell or taste
- Sore throat
- Headache and pain in the limbs
- shortness of breath
- general weakness
Later on, severe pneumonia with shortness of breath can occur. Some people also develop other symptoms, such as diarrhea.
What should I do if I fear I have been infected?
If you have had personal contact with someone who is infected with the new type of coronavirus, you should stay at home and contact the responsible health department immediately - even if you have no symptoms of the disease. You can find out which health department this is in your case by simply entering your place of residence or your postcode on the Robert Koch Institute website (https://tools.rki.de/plztool/). Also report to the health department if you use the Corona warning app and receive a corresponding warning.
When entering from a designated coronavirus risk area (see below), you are required to register, test and quarantine. You can find more detailed information on this on the infection protection portal of the Federal Center for Health Education ("Entry from Corona risk areas: the current regulations"). You can find an overview of the current risk areas here: Coronavirus: These are the risk areas.
If you develop respiratory problems such as coughing, you should seek advice over the phone - from your family doctor, a fever clinic or the medical on-call service (nationwide number: 116 117). Describe your symptoms, ask for a test, and follow doctor's instructions. Do not visit a doctor without calling in advance - you could endanger other people (e.g. in the waiting room)!
In emergencies (e.g. acute shortness of breath), you should alert the emergency doctor immediately (Tel. 112)!
Why do many experts advise flu vaccination because of the coronavirus?
The seasonal flu vaccination, which is recommended for October or November every year, is an important element of health protection per se - especially for older people and those with previous illnesses. Many experts also recommend flu vaccinations in connection with the coronavirus. Although it cannot protect against infection with the new type of coronavirus, it is still of particular importance in this context:
The fewer people are infected with the flu, the better medical practices, clinics and intensive care units can be relieved - for potentially seriously ill coronavirus patients.
In addition, an effective vaccination against influenza reduces the risk that someone might get both infections or be particularly seriously ill because their immune system is already so weakened by the one infection.
In addition, the flu vaccination prevents someone who actually has the flu from being falsely quarantined on suspicion of Covid-19 - because the two diseases have similar symptoms. That would be an unnecessary burden for the person concerned and for the medical staff.
Is there a vaccination against Sars-CoV-2?
Yes, there is - four different vaccines against the novel coronavirus are currently approved in the European Union (EU). You can find out what these are, how they work and how safe the vaccinations are here.
Are there any drugs against Covid-19?
Many different approaches to a specific therapy against the novel coronavirus have been and are being investigated in studies - including direct antiviral substances and agents that influence the immune response (immunomodulators):
On July 3, 2020, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) conditionally approved the active ingredient remdesivir - a direct antiviral agent - for use in patients with pneumonia at an early stage of the disease when additional oxygen supply is necessary. In addition, approval processes are currently ongoing for several monoclonal antibodies that also have direct antiviral activity.
As an immunomodulatory drug, dexmethasone received a positive rating from Ema, specifically for use in Sars-CoV-2 infected people who require additional oxygen supply or artificial ventilation.
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