UNAIR NEWS – The covid-19 pandemic that emerged in the end of 2019 has attracted many researchers to carry out various research, both for the realm of science and prevention efforts. One of the experts at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) who focuses on Covid-19 research is Laura Navika Yamani, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D.
From a popular scientific article uploaded on January 4, 2021, Laura Navika in an article entitled ” Host Characteristics and Covid-19 Prevention in Community” explained that by understanding the host characteristics and prevention of Covid-19 in the community, it can provide an overview of covid-19 infection characteristics globally and its prevention strategies.
“This response from a public health perspective is important to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially through active community participation,” she explained.
In this study, she explained, the characteristics of covid-19 were not only affected by the virus itself, but also depending on the infected host or human, such as their age, sex, and health status. So, she emphasized, these host characteristics influence the level of disease and symptoms experienced by someone exposed to Covid-19 and the mortality rate.
“Covid-19 infection can cause death, especially in vulnerable groups, the elderly and people with comorbidities such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, asthma and others,” she explained.
Furthermore, she also said that there are several public health interventions that can be used to fight Covid-19, such as maintaining distance and away from crowds, restricting mobilization or movement, self-quarantine, and area quarantine or lockdown. Moreover, she continued good personal hygiene and environmental sanitation efforts are needed, such as washing hands, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and spraying disinfectants into the surrounding environment.
“What is also important is to improve immunity by consuming nutritious foods, getting adequate rest and taking supplements or vitamins; case detection, contact tracing and mass testing; and vaccine development. An understanding of the characteristics of covid-19 and the right prevention strategies can suppress the rapid and extensive spread of covid-19. Hopefully this joint intervention effort can end the Covid-19 pandemic, ” she concluded.
Author: Nuri Hermawan
