By Jeffrey Damicog
Stop reading fake news.
This is one of five tips shared by the World Health Organization (WHO) Philippines on Saturday, Feb. 15, to the public who are worried about the Coronvirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
(REUTERS/Feline Lim/MANILA BULLETIN)
“Get the facts. Gather information that will help you accurately determine your risk so that you can take reasonable precautions,” read the latest post of WHO Philippines in its official Twitter account.
“Find a credible source you can trust such as WHO website or, a local or state public health agency,” it added.
WHO Philippines also advised the public to limit worry and agitation “by lessening time you and your family spend watching or listening to media coverage that you perceive as upsetting.”
“It is normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared, or angry during a crisis,” WHO Philippines said.
Under this situation, WHO advised affected individuals to talk to people you trust, including friends and family.
“Don’t use smoking, alcohol, or other drugs to deal with your emotions,” WHO Philippines said.
“If you are overwhelmed, talk to a health worker or counselor. Have a plan, where to go to and how to seek help for physical and mental health needs if required,” it added.
If one must stay at home, WHO advises to “maintain a healthy lifestyle – including proper diet, sleep, exercise and social contacts with loved ones at home and by email and phone with other family and friends.”
“Draw on skills you have used in the past that might have helped you to manage previous life’s adversities and use those skills to help you manage emotions during the challenging time of this outbreak,” it also advised.