▲ People in line for COVID-19 confirmation test (Source: Yonhap News)

The spread of the COVID-19 Omicron mutation in Korea is reaching its peak. On the 18th, the number of new confirmed cases in Korea exceeded 400,000. However, the pathogenicity of Omicron mutations is low, while the number of severe patients and deaths is gradually decreasing, as compared to the rapid increase in confirmed cases. The Omicron Variant has a duality that shows no symptoms in healthy people or a low health risk like a throat cold, moreover, it has a risk of about five times the risk of the flu virus in high-risk groups. It is almost impossible to distinguish throat colds and Omicron mutations by symptoms, other than being confirmed through confirmation tests. In the change of seasons like now, we are bound to be vulnerable to both throat colds and the Omicron variant. Experts stressed that the Omicron variant is to peak within March, and based on the low fatality rate of Omicron, it should be converted to a flu-like management system after the Omicron peak. Therefore, preventive measures should be followed and managed until the Omicron mutation subsides this season

The first way to prevent Omicron is to sleep more than seven hours a day, regularly. Sleep, recharges not only the brain, but also the immune system, which is needed to support a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, it is better to avoid overwork and to keep your eyes closed even for a while, when you feel tired. Second, drink water frequently. Water is the human body's transportation tool that supplies weapons to fight a virus throughout the cells. Water is a purification tool that cleans the whole body. Therefore, it is recommended to wake up early in the morning to drink a cup of water and drink water every hour to discharge waste. You should also eat a regular meal consistently, throughout the day.

You should maintain your immune system, so that you are not vulnerable to diseases, by maintaining a body that is not deficient in nutrients through a sufficient diet. If it is impossible to take various nutrients through meals, it is recommended to supplement meals with multivitamins and vitamins B, C, and D, which are particularly prone to shortages, amongst nutritional supplements. Next, wash your hands and brush your teeth often. Washing your hands thoroughly is the most basic way to protect yourself from harmful bacterial environments. Keep your hands clean, because you can catch infectious diseases when touching your eyes, nose, and mouth if your hands are contaminated with pathogens. Also, brushing your teeth with salt before going to bed helps you catch cold symptoms in the early stages. Lastly, follow the three health rules: regular exercise, smoking cessation, and temperance. Exercise, smoking cessation, and abstaining from alcohol can maintain a healthy body that will be able to withstand diseases. Regular exercise first strengthens the cardiovascular system. This means that the road to send oxygen and nutrients throughout your body is well maintained. When the cardiovascular system becomes stronger, the body develops elasticity, and the functions of cells and each organ becomes active, allowing waste products to be removed to improve immunity.

Personal hygiene for the next two to three months is important, when the number of confirmed patients is to soar. There is no 100% guaranteed way to prevent Omicron, but it is already widely known how to reduce the possibility of infection. The most important thing is to wash your hands and wear a mask. When doing so, wash your hands in running water more than three times a day for about 30 seconds and wear a KF94 mask as well. If you can't wash your hands, using hand sanitizer frequently is the next best option. Another significant weapon in prevention is immunity. If you have good immunity, there is a possibility that you will not get sick, even if a virus enters your body. About half of those infected with the Omicron virus are asymptomatic because even if the virus invades the body, immunity can prevent the virus from proliferating. It is hoped that you have a healthy day by following various preventive measures to prevent throat colds and the omicron variant.

By Jung In-hee, reporter  sugar3870@naver.com

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