The outbreak of an infectious disease like coronavirus is making people anxious about their lives, their relatives and society. It is pretty obvious to be afraid from such an epidemic when the all countries are being quarantined, many borders have been closed and the death toll is still rising. Broadcast of the coronavirus via unreliable resources for several consecutive weeks has widened the scope of its psychological affects worldwide. World Health Organization’s warning of declaring it a ‘Potential Global Pandemic’ worked as a spark among public.
To deal with the fear and anxiety of coronavirus, we need to understand some basic facts. The reality of the disease differs from what we see on social media and local news channels. Though it can be a deadly disease and hazardous for people with a weak immune system. There is a distinction between a really bad flu or difficulty in breathing’ and coronavirus.Below are a few methods to deal with the impacts of coronavirus:

1. Don’t exaggerate the fear:
 It is in the human nature that we overstress alarming and fearful things. As a matter of fact, the United States of America has witnessed 8,200 deaths due to ordinary flu just this season whereas coronavirus has caused approximately 290 deaths since January, according to Situation Report – 47 of WHO. Flu is also as potential as coronavirus is,but we exaggerate the fear of a deadly epidemic. So, we need to understand the scope of threat we are facing and the range of stress we are enduring.

2. Access and share reliable information:
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) are two reliable resources to keep yourself updated. Relying on social media, panicked phone calls and TV reports are unfortunately increasing mental health issues and stress among public. To tackle the situation, we should avoid overconsumption of media. Choose credible sources and step away from media reports. In addition, if you feel uncomfortable and perturbed, take a break from news and relax. This responsibility is not only limited to get reliable information, but to take care of your loved ones and keep them updated. If you come to know about any precaution or safety tool, share it with your people. You can become a great support for someone who is more vulnerable physically or mentally.

3. Take healthy precautions: Precaution is better than remedy. There are many things which you cannot control about coronavirus, but what you can do is stay healthy and safe.
a) Avoid contact with sick people and maintain distance – Atleast a metre away.
b) If you are sick, head to the nearest hospital.
c) Wash your hands regularly, at least for 20 seconds and avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
d) Get proper sleep and have a balanced diet, in order to maintain a healthy immune system.
It is important to understand that the world goes through a lot of epidemics and disasters and they can be very scary. But the actual chances of you getting that disease is very little. So take some fundamental safety precautions and chill!

The author is a consultant in Public Relations and Personality Types. Instagram: @Tipsbyhalahill