By: Aldia Putra )*
Clean and healthy behavior must continue to be jointly encouraged and supported, because the Covid-19 pandemic is still ongoing. With this clean and healthy behavior, it is hoped that it will be able to ward off the transmission of the Covid-19 virus, which has recently shown an upward trend.
In the last few weeks, Covid-19 cases in Indonesia have increased again due to the emergence of new sub-variants from Omicron, namely BA.4 and BA.5. For this incident, the Covid-19 Task Force stated firmly that all people should not abandon clean and healthy living behavior (PHBS).
Government Spokesperson for Handling Covid-19, Prof. Wiku Adisasmito explained that it has been proven that clean and healthy living behavior is one way that has proven to be very effective in suppressing the spread of various kinds of infectious diseases that can infect humans, including Covid-19.
Due to the nature of the virus that will continue to mutate and give rise to new variants, the best thing that humans can try to deny is to provide the best self-protection, which is not just tightening health protocols, but also continuing to strive for PHBS.
Furthermore, the spokesperson for the Covid-19 Task Force provided complete marketing regarding 12 basic behaviors that can be practiced by the entire community regarding clean and healthy living and it is hoped that these behaviors will not be abandoned regardless of for example the whole world is free from pandemic conditions.
The first thing is to wash your hands. This behavior may be a small thing, but in fact has a very big benefit. All people are advised not to be too hasty in washing their hands, at least for 20 seconds, because in order to be able to wipe and rub all parts of the hands using soap and running water.
In addition, regarding the behavior to be diligent in using a mask when you feel unwell and if possible you should not leave the house if you are sick. Masks must also be worn when outdoors and with many people, including in low-air conditions. At least with the presence of a mask that is worn, it can prevent hands from touching the face directly, especially if the condition of the hands is dirty and has not been washed.
It is known that there is data presented by the CDC that a person will tend to touch his face as much as 23 times per hour, which then bacteria, viruses and microorganisms will be very easily transmitted through the hands when touching the eyes, nose and mouth.
It is undeniable that hands can be a source of transmission of various diseases in the human body, therefore Prof. Wiku suggests as much as possible to be able to minimize physical contact with other people, let alone shaking hands. This continues in an effort to avoid crowds, especially in public places, which are completely unknown to anyone who has been to these places.
Self-protection from within is equally important to do, namely by vaccinating up to a complete dose, including doing a booster vaccine so that self-protection against Covid-19 can occur maximally from outside and from within. This is also related to something that is public consumption, try to continue to eat foods that are nutritionally complete and guaranteed cleanliness.
Still regarding consumption, water is also an important thing that should not be abandoned because the human body will continue to need water to prevent dehydration, it is recommended to consume at least 2 liters of water every day.
There are also active protection efforts, namely by doing activities in the form of exercise for at least 30 minutes 3 to 5 times per week. Also pay attention to the quality of sleep because it will greatly affect humans physically and even psychologically, at least try to have a sleep duration of 7 to 10 hours per day.
The last is to maintain mental condition so that it can be stable. In the midst of a pandemic that has not ended and also various pressures that may be experienced, do not let it all affect your mental and mental condition by not getting used to giving excessive reactions and panic.
All of these things must be continuously pursued in order to maintain overall health quality, including being able to boost self-immunity so as not to be susceptible to viruses or diseases, especially exposure to the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants which are currently happening.
)* The author is a contributor to Pertiwi Institute