Dr. Tasaduk Hussain Itoo
‘Global pandemics’ of public health concern like the current outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), are stressful times for people and communities. Without knowing the facts, fear and anxiety about a disease can lead to social stigma toward people, places, or things. For example as of currently, stigma and discrimination can occur when people associate a disease, such as COVID-19, with a population or nationality, even though not everyone in that population or from that region is specifically at risk for the disease. Stigma can also occur after a person has been released from COVID-19 quarantine even though they are not considered a risk for spreading the virus to others. Besides, people who may be experiencing stigma because of COVID-19 include- those who have travelled to or from an affected country and emergency responders or healthcare professionals.
Negative Impact Of Stigma : Stigma hurts everyone by creating fear or anger towards other people. Stigmatized groups may be subjected to – social avoidance or rejection, denials of healthcare, education, housing or employment, physical abuse or violence. Stigma affects the emotional or mental health of stigmatized groups and the communities they live in. So, stopping stigma is important in making communities and community members resilient. As per Centre for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC), everyone can help stop stigma related to COVID-19 by knowing the facts and sharing them with others in your community.
Fact 1 : Diseases can make anyone sick regardless of their race or ethnicity. Fear and anxiety about COVID-19 can cause people to avoid or reject others even though they are not at risk for spreading the virus.
Fact 2: For most people, the immediate risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be low. However, older adults and people of any age with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, lung disease, or heart disease, are at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Fact 3: Someone who has completed quarantine or has been released from isolation does not pose a risk of infection to other people.
Fact 4: Knowing the signs and symptoms: Fever, Dry cough, Shortness of breath with an incubation period of 2 to 14 days.
Fact 5: Persons who have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or live in or have recently travelled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19 are at greater risk. It is important to remember here that people ,who do not live in or have not recently been in an area of ongoing spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, or have not been in contact with a person who is a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 are not at greater risk of spreading COVID-19.
Fact 6 : Large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 via travellers who are suspected or infected cases and attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities. Examples of large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies.
Fact 7: The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person, between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Fact 8 : Preventive Measures; Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
.Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
.Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
. Social distancing is important. Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
.Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care and. Cover your cough. Cover coughs and sneezes. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
.When to wear a FACE MASK: If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room.
.If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
.Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
Overcoming The Stigma And Stress :Taking care of yourself, your friends, and your family can help you cope with stress and associated stigma. Helping others cope with their stress can also make your community stronger. Communicators and public health officials can help counter stigma during the COVID-19 response by:
.Maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those seeking healthcare and those who may be part of any contact investigation.
.Quickly communicate the risk or lack of risk from associations with products, people, and places.
.Raise awareness about COVID-19 without increasing fear.
.Share accurate information about how the virus spreads.
.Speak out against negative behaviors, including negative statements on social media about groups of people, or exclusion of people who pose no risk from regular activities.
.Be cautious about the images that are shared. Make sure they do not reinforce stereotypes.
.Engage with stigmatized groups in person and through media channels including news media and social media.
.Thank healthcare workers and responders. People who have traveled to areas where the COVID-19 outbreak is happening ,have performed a valuable service to everyone by helping making sure that this disease does not spread further.
.Share the need for social support for people who have returned from COVID-19 affected countries or are worried about friends or relatives in the affected region.
(The author is Chairman cum Director, J & K Innovative Foundation for Transforming Society –JKIFTS, Medical Practitioner at Narayana Health, [email protected])
