Page 5 of 19
3. Protection Gear and Protection items
3.1 Disinfectant Solution (or Hand Sanitizer)
Disinfectant Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol or Ethyl alcohol): TRY BUY THE LIQUID FORM – because it is easier to
use and spray. Make sure the concentration is around 70-80%. Less than 70% will not kill the virus. If it is
more than 80% concentrate, the alcohol will evaporate too quickly and will not have sufficient time to kill
the virus. It needs at least 20 seconds for the virus to disintegrate – so make sure the concentration is
between 70-80%. PLEASE NOTE: disinfectant alcohol is TOXIC (DO NOT drink it or inject it). It is also also
HIGHLY INFLAMMABLE
OR
Bleach solution (sodium hypochlorite solution): 10% concentration (100 gms in 1 liter) is enough to kill all
germs including viruses. https://answersdrive.com/how-do-you-make-a-10-bleach-solution-1609713.
PLEASE NOTE: disinfectants are TOXIC (DO NOT drink it or inject it).
Getting disinfectant alcohol wipes and gels are also good. But make sure you have the liquid version also.
Please note: DO NOT mix Disinfectant alcohol with Bleach solution. In other words do not try to use them both
together at the same time. Mixing them together produces corrosive Hydrochloric acid – that can cause serious
damage to your clothes, gloves, skin etc.
3.2 Soap: Any soap will do for hand wash. No need to waste money on costly antibacterial soaps.
3.3 Respiratory Mask
By two for each member of the family. If so many are not available – buy at least a pair for the person who
will go out for shopping.
Any N95 or any surgical masks is fine. Buy at least 2 - Maximum 10. Don’t hoard it. In another section I will
tell you how to clean and disinfect your mask and then re-use it again.
If you cannot find one – make one at home. The surgical masks materials are available online.
How to test the mask is working: try blow out the flame of a candle while wearing the mask. If you can blow
it out and extinguish the flame then the mask is of poor quality. If you cannot – then wear another surgical
mask on top of it and try out blowing the candle. If the mask is of good quality then – you will not be able
extinguish the candle flame.
Version 2 - dated: 15th April 2020 COVID – 19: safety tips by Arka Prava Mukherjee (PhD)
Page 6 of 19
3.4 Cap (that can cover you hairs): very important for protection against viruses floating in the air (See section 1.5). I
used to wear the typical winter cap when I used to go out. Even a shower cap will do.
3.5 Eye protection goggles or face shield: it is good if you can find a proper one (as depicted in the picture below). If not
then at least wear your sunglasses orspectacles. That way even if you walk through a virus laden aerosol – the viral
load (amount of virus) entering your eyes will be much much less.
Version 2 - dated: 15th April 2020 COVID – 19: safety tips by Arka Prava Mukherjee (PhD)
Page 7 of 19
3.6 Gloves: PE or PVC disposable gloves or Kitchen gloves or any rubber gloves. I had PE, PVC and Rubber kitchen gloves. I
found that when going outside shopping (for food, medicine etc.) - PVC gloves are the best. Why? Because you can
operate your mobile with ease without taking off the gloves, and they are also easy to clean with disinfectant Alcohol.
3.7 Spray bottle: Any spray bottle is fine. Buy at least 2 (three if you want to keep 1 extra). One of the easiest ones to find
is the ones used for glass cleaner - the table cleaner bottles. Throw away the original liquid and clean with water
before pouring disinfectant. Make sure it is leak proof – otherwise the disinfectant alcohol will evaporate. Buy a small
spray bottle which you can take out in your pocket when you decide to go out.
3.8 Jacket or Thin raincoat: Read section 1.5. It is important that you cover your body with a jacket. Besides if the
weather is cold or wet, it is better you do not catch cold or flu – especially when COVID-19 is on rampage.
3.9 PLEASE NOTE: You MUST assume that when you went out you had walked through a cloud of virus aerosol and
touched surfaces which had virus. Only then you will be super careful and take proper precautions. This mindset is
especially important when you are returning back from outside to a place like apartment, home, office etc.
Version 2 - dated: 15th April 2020 COVID – 19: safety tips by Arka Prava Mukherjee (PhD)
Page 8 of 19
4. How to boost your Immune System?
4.1 As mentioned in section 2.3, you need to be prepared to fight the COVID-19 disease externally (by taking precautions)
and internally (by boosting your immune system). Even if infected - a strong immune system makes it highly likely that
you will have mild symptoms and recover rather quickly. Please Note: If you develop breathing
abnormalities/problems – no matter how strong your immune system is – please call your doctor or emergency
health care services.
4.2 Vitamin-C and Vitamin B-Complex supplements combined with daily diet can boost up the immune system by many
folds. If you cannot buy tablets – look for natural sources. In fact natural sources of Vitamin-C and B-Complex are the
best. People wrongly believe that lemons or Oranges are the richest in natural Vitamin-C, while in fact, Guava fruit,
Capsicum (or large pepper), Goose berries and Broccoli rank in the Top4.
Figure showing Foods rich in Vitamin C (courtesy: nutrioninside.com)
4.3 Every day I used to take 2 tablets of Vitamin-C and 1 tablet of Vitamin B-Complex (after meal) and as much balanced
diet as possible. I used to drink a cup of Orange juice and cook Capsicum (or Large pepper) almost every alternate
day.
4.4 Don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated. In other words drink plenty of water. You will start developing headaches and
other physical problems if your body is dehydrated.
Version 2 - dated: 15th April 2020 COVID – 19: safety tips by Arka Prava Mukherjee (PhD)
Page 9 of 19
Figure showing Foods rich in Vitamin B-Complex (courtesy : Top10HomeRemedies.com)
Version 2 - dated: 15th April 2020 COVID – 19: safety tips by Arka Prava Mukherjee (PhD)
