Rumors circulated that basking in the sun can kill the Corona virus and prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Can sunlight really kill the Corona virus? What are the benefits of sunbathing to prevent COVID-19? And what time is the right time to sunbathe?
Morning sunlight, especially before 10:00 am, does have many health benefits. When absorbed by the skin, ultraviolet light in sunlight will stimulate the body to produce vitamin D.
Vitamin D produced by the body from the process of basking in the sun has many health benefits. Vitamin D can increase calcium and phosphorus levels in the body, maintain muscle and nerve function, and increase the body's resistance or immune system to fight infection.
Myths and Facts Related to Sunbathing and Corona Virus Prevention
In the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak that has hit almost all countries, including Indonesia, the community has taken various ways to prevent the spread of the Corona virus. One way that is considered the easiest and most practical is by sunbathing.
Circulating information stating that the Corona virus will be destroyed under ultraviolet (UV) light or at hot temperatures. This is based on several studies which state that UV rays and heat temperatures above 56oC can kill a number of viruses, such as the SARS virus, avian flu, and influenza.
However, until now, there have been no studies that prove that UV rays and heat from the sun can kill the Corona virus, both in the air and in the body. But sunbathing can have a positive impact on your sleep-wake hours, so you can avoid covid-somnia.
Tips for Safe Sunbathing
Although sunlight cannot kill the Corona virus, sunbathing activities have many health benefits. In addition to increasing bone and muscle strength and endurance, sunbathing is also beneficial for maintaining mental health and making sleep more sound.
However, you also need to remember that excessive exposure to UV rays can be harmful to health. Therefore, do the following tips when sunbathing:
1. Use sunscreen and glasses when sunbathing
Although sunbathing is important, maintaining healthy skin is equally important. Apply sunscreen (sunblock) with SPF 30 or higher on the skin, 20-30 minutes before sunbathing. This is important to prevent the skin from burning or experiencing sunburn while sunbathing.
If necessary, wear sunglasses that can block UVA and UVB to protect the eyes from the dangers of ultraviolet rays, especially when the sun is hot.
2. Pay attention to the schedule and duration of sunbathing
To meet the needs of vitamin D, safe sunbathing can be done 3 times a week at around 09.00 am for 5-15 minutes. Avoid sunbathing too long because it can damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.
3. Drink enough water when sunbathing
When sunbathing, do not forget to drink enough water so that your body does not become dehydrated. If you feel hot or weak and dizzy while sunbathing, immediately move to a shady place to cool your body to avoid exposure to heat. heat stroke.
4. Apply physical distancing
While sunbathing in the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, don't forget to always apply physical distancing. Avoid sunbathing in crowded places and keep a distance of at least 1 meter from other people. This is important to do to reduce your risk of exposure to the Corona virus.
Effective Steps to Prevent Corona Virus Transmission
Basking in the sun can increase the body's resistance to prevent infections, including COVID-19, although it cannot kill the Corona virus directly.
In order to avoid COVID-19 and stop the spread of the Corona virus, you are advised to take the following steps:
- Wash hands with running water and soap for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer
- Follow government advice to worship, study, and work from home (work from home)
- Use masks, both cloth masks and surgical masks, if you are forced to travel or do activities outside the home
- Do physical distancing, i.e. keep a distance of at least 1 meter from other people
- Eat nutritious food to maintain endurance and take supplements if necessary
If you experience symptoms of Corona virus infection, such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath, immediately self-isolate and contact hotline COVID-19 at 119 Ext. 9 for further directions.
You can also find out how much you are at risk of being infected with the Corona virus through the Corona Virus Risk Check feature which is provided free of charge by Alodokter.
If you have questions about the symptoms or preventive measures related to the Corona virus, don't hesitate to contact us chat doctor directly in the Alodokter application. You can also make an appointment with a doctor at the hospital through this application.
