| Points: | 5 |
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Best way to battle infection and stop spreading it - remember your mother's scoldings
Remember the time when your mummy scolded you -#1 Where is your hanky?
#2 Did I not tell you that you must wash your hands as soon as you come back?
#3 How many times to tell you to sneeze/cough in your hands over your mouth!
#4 I don't care if it is your best friend's birthday party. You are not yet well. You are not going. I said no, No means no.
#5 Would it be ok if you spit on the floor at home? Then why did you spit on the road?
But no, who remembers that those scoldings were actually lessons in some very basic etiquette. Instead, what you do-
#1 - Have a handkerchief but it is merely something to put automatically in the pocket. Never used it to wipe sweat, nose or hands. Never used it to bring out the nasal mucus. There is a convenient road/footpath below our feet for that.
#2 - We return from work, remove footwear (this sometimes maybe shoes and socks) and reach for a bottle of water in the fridge with sweaty, dirty hands. Or sit on the sofa and grab the plate of snacks kept in front.
#3 - We cough loudly with our mouth open, tongue sticking out, instead of in cupped hands.
#4 - We are still sneezing and feeling a little feverish, but, no, the sky will fall if we don't attend that party/function.
#5 - When outdoors, we don't swallow saliva but spit it out, here, there, everywhere. Ditto for betel leaf juice. Repulsive, disgusting!
What you should do as a responsible and careful individual: If you have to sit at home due to quarantine, do so. If you have to be isolated in a hospital ward, accept it. Don't run away. You feel a sneeze coming and don't have time to reach for the handkerchief, immediately bend your hand and let your elbow catch the sneeze. Cup your hands over your mouth and cough. Don't spread droplets everywhere. Get-togethers, seminars, parties, functions - not earth-shatteringly important. Human lives are far more important. And for heaven's sake stop spitting - and tell others politely as well. Saliva is good. It is your own. Take it back in. If the saliva is really in excess and you feel it is choking, then spit it into your hanky (it can be washed later, isn't it?).
This is the time we really, really need to remember - with affection - our mother's scoldings. Of course, do call the Helpline number if really necessary.