The
lockdown restrictions have been eased by governments as part of their roadmap
to economic recovery as people started moving around. However, with the virus
threat still looming large, it’s not yet safe to venture out of houses,
especially for children and elderly citizens. Dr. Jobby George,  Senior
Ayurveda Consultant, Ishka Healthcare, Banglore, explains the safety measures to
be followed if at all one has to traverse:-

Never
step out of your house without a face mask, as directed by authorities. Besides
cutting down the chances of infection, the habit helps to minimise virus spread
to another person. Likewise, carry sanitiser and wet napkins to clean hands often,
though it’s advisable to use soap and water if possible. Here are some
ayurvedic tips to resist viral attacks during travel:-

Take
a decoction of curry leaves (Murraya koenigii) ,1 fistful
in 1 lt water or carom seeds-ajwain
(Trachyspermum ammi ), 4 tsp
in 1 lt water), in a flask and swish around the mouth regularly. You can frequently
wipe nostrils with it. An occasional sip too is helpful as the formation has good
anti-microbial properties.

If
you don’t get curry leaves or carom seeds (ajwain), you can take common salt (NaCl)
and dilute in water. Use it to wash hands, swish mouth and apply on nostrils. Salt
contains excellent anti-microbial properties. Then wash with normal water or
wet wipes after some time. You can follow the same in the case of kids as well.

Avoid
eating and drinking outside as you will have to remove your mask. Always carry home-made
food and water with you.

If
the journey is a long one, then:-

Always
sip hot water throughout the journey.

Take
ginger tea, if you are taking any drink at all. Ginger is known to have
anti-microbial properties.

Avoid
cold foods or drinks as it weakens immunity of the throat lining, tonsils and nasal
epithelium. Always consume hot food.

Avoid
using public toilets and wash basins. Wash room is the place where people wash
mouth, spit and blow nose. There is more chance of the virus entry. But if your
journey is long and washroom is unavoidable, then spray or use sanitiser on the
tap before before removing your mask. Wait for a few minutes and only then touch
the tap. Swish your mouth with saline water or the curry-leaf or carom seed
decoction mentioned above. Apply the same in nostrils too after the washroom
use.

Do
not drink water at least one hour before you start journey and till you reach destination
so that you don’t need to attend the nature’s call enroute. You can sip electrolytes/ORS
liquids to avoid dehydration and maintain body balance. But remember to
rehydrate yourself once you reach your destination so as to avoid Urinary Tract
Infection and other complications.

Avoid
too thin cloth materials or tying masks tightly if you frequent near-by places
with home-made cloth masks.

Those
suffering from health issues like heart ailments, hypertension and diabetes, those
above 65 years of age , pregnant women and children should consult their doctors
before and after travel.

And
most of all-

Follow
the rules set by the governments, as it is for our good.

Keep
a safe distance from your co-passengers. Never be in a hurry to get in or get
off public transports.

Avoid
using jewelleries and watches.

Tie
up long hair.

Avoid
touching things as far as possible.

Avoid
touching your face. Use wipes instead .

Masks
should be slightly porous so that you don’t breathe own carbon di-oxide.

Do
not exert or hurry much, as breathing in through mask is difficult.