Tips for eating and drinking safely during epidemic season

Eat boiled and cooked, clean tools thoroughly before and after use, and wash hands to remove germs after contact with raw food .

According to the Ministry of Health, there are 3 main modes of transmission through contact with saliva drops from a person coughing, sneezing, runny nose into the respiratory tract; spread by contact with an ill person, shaking hands with an infected person if not taking preventive measures, washing hands with soap; and spread from contaminated surfaces.

Therefore, to prevent and combat acute respiratory infections caused by new strains of corona virus, people must ensure food safety. Specifically:

1. When shopping for food, you must use gloves, masks, do not use rancid meat that is rancid, damaged. Stay away from waste and wastewater areas in the market. Absolutely no contact, use dead animal meat, wash your hands with soap or alcohol disinfectant solution immediately after contact with cattle, poultry and raw meats to avoid bringing germs home. .
2. When preparing food at home, use aprons, gloves and masks . Knives and cutting boards separately when cooking to avoid cross-contamination from raw foods to cooked foods. Wash your hands with soap and clean water to remove pathogens after handling raw food or before handling cooked food. Cook meat and poultry eggs before eating to ensure the destruction of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria .
3. Eat cooked, boiled drink to limit the risk of foodborne illness . Do not share glasses of water or containers of drinks with others. On the tray or table, there must be a spoon / spoon / chopstick to get food into a separate bowl, then use a personal spoon / spoon / chopstick to enjoy your food.

You should buy food at supermarkets, clean centers, with clear origin.Wear a mask when going out.(Photo: Reuters)

1. Providing enough protein (protein) for the body , as this is an important raw material to make antibodies. Need to eat a combination of foods rich in animal protein (such as fish, chicken, beef, eggs, milk .) and vegetable protein (from beans, beans .).
2. Provide enough vitamins and essential minerals , such as vitamins A, C, D, E, iron, zinc and selenium.
3. Increasing the use of some foods / spices containing special active ingredients that boost the immune system such as garlic, onions, turmeric, lemongrass, mushrooms, seaweeds . help stimulate the immune system. In addition, the food group contains flavonoids such as: spice vegetables, broccoli, broccoli, apples, green tea . increase the body's antioxidant and immune defenses.
4. Supplement with micronutrients from micronutrients, or nutritional products containing iron, zinc, vitamins A, D, E . If the diet is not enough of the above mentioned nutrients, or when the body is diagnosed with micronutrient deficiency by a nutritionist.
5. Drink about 2 - 2.5 liters of water from food and drink to replace lost water through different routes. Two-thirds of the water comes from drinks and the rest comes from other foods. This need depends on body weight, physical activity.

Note, drink clean water, cool boiled water, drink slowly, take small sips and divide evenly throughout the day even when not thirsty. Do not drink water that has been boiled repeatedly, do not drink much water before going to bed, do not drink soft drinks instead of water. Alcoholic beverages, tea, coffee have a diuretic effect should be limited. Do not allow your mouth and throat to dry.

1. For some special groups such as the elderly, they should eat enough nutritious foods such as beef, chicken, eggs, pay attention to the taste, preferences to be able to eat in sufficient quantities. If you do not eat enough, you should drink more nutritious milk, from 1-2 cups a day.
2. Babies under 6 months of age are exclusively breastfed , which is the best way to prevent infection with young children. Continue to breastfeed until 24 months of age and give your baby a sensible, complete complement of nutrients. Preschoolers and students, need to eat a balanced diet, sufficient quantities if the child has anorexia should supplement nutritious foods. Eat plenty of ripe fruits, greens, drink small sips regularly to moisturize the throat, prevent the penetration of viruses and bacteria.
3. People who are suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, Parkinson . need to take medication to treat the disease as directed by a doctor combining the diet of a dietitian.
4. In addition, everyone should practice hygiene to minimize the risk of germs such as sharing personal items such as towels, toothbrushes, drinking glasses. Wash towels regularly and keep towels dry, clean, do not hang towels, wet towels in the bathroom.
5. Avoid contact with face, eyes, mouth . During the time of the epidemic, limit shaking hands or hugging others. Be careful when touching objects in public places such as door handles, stair rails .
6. Use clean paper towels when rubbing eyes or wiping the stain . Wash your hands properly with soap and warm water or use a dry hand wash before putting on gloves.
7. At home, pay attention to hygiene items such as computer keyboards, desktop phones, mobile phones, toys, laptops ., clean these items regularly.
8. If you have a fever, cough and shortness of breath go to the health facility early and tell your doctor about your medical history.

Professor and Doctor Le Danh Tuyen
National Head of Nutrition

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