Dos

• Do change the napkins in your house everyday and after every meal if possible. Wet napkins are conducive to growth of virus, and the easiest way to transfer virus from one family member to the other.
• Keep your bathrooms as dry as possible, damp bathrooms are a great breeding place for virus.
• Dispose of the garbage properly.
• Adhere to air tight packaging while packing tiffins for the family.
• Include vitamin C in everybody’s diet as it helps build the immune system.
• Encourage drinking a lot of water as it flushes out toxins.
• Avoid going out in crowded areas.
• If you have a small child in the house, wash the toys every day with a disinfectant, as small children have a habit of putting things in the mouth.
• Check if your child’s school is implementing strict hygiene. You have every right to inspect the school premises.
• Be ready for emergencies by: Having proper address and contacts of your family doctor and authorized chemist and hospital.

Don’ts

• Do not eat stale food.
• Do not drink alcohol, as it is an immune system suppressant. If you must, do not add ice or chilled drinks.
• Do not mingle with sick / unwell people.
• Do not keep unwashed laundry in your house for a long time.
• Do not keep the kitchen utensils unclean for the entire night.
• Do not send your child to school if he/she is unwell.

Acknowledgements: WebMD.com, Data & information released by WHO / US CDC, IMA – Pune chapter, MOHFW – India website