PETALING JAYA: So you have been washing your hands diligently, wearing a face mask and keeping a reasonable distance from others.

       But since the Omicron wave has been relentless, a number of studies have suggested additional ways to stay safe.

       Apparently, there are other ways to keep Omicron in check other than basic non-pharmaceutical intervention.

       One study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases by Brazilian researchers studying the impact of oral hygiene on Covid-19 transmission recommended disinfecting toothbrushes as part of oral hygiene.

       The study noted that this would help in mitigating infections as toothbrushes “act as reservoirs for microorganisms”.

       Other reports have urged people to boost their immune system by consuming more healthy food and cutting down on junk food.

       However, taking supplements as a way to treat Covid-19 is not reported to be useful.

       A study on zinc and vitamin C found that people with mild Covid-19 who took such supplements did not demonstrate any noticeable benefit.

       With messages circulating on social media for people to take hot baths to disinfect themselves, the World Health Organisation (WHO) clarified that “taking a hot bath does not prevent a person from contracting Covid-19”.

       “Taking a hot bath with extremely hot water can be harmful as it can burn you,” said the advisory by the WHO.

       On the need to disinfect surfaces, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said that the risk of fomite transmission, usually through contaminated surfaces, is low for Covid-19.

       As such, cleaning surfaces using soap or detergent, and not disinfecting the surfaces, is enough to reduce risk.

       “Disinfection is recommended in indoor community settings where there has been a suspected or confirmed case of Covid-19 within the last 24 hours,” it said in an advisory updated on April 5 last year.

       But in China, the Global Times reported that the country’s postal service would thoroughly disinfect all international mail.

       This move comes after several Covid-19 cases there were suspected to be traced to contaminated goods from overseas.