COVID-19 Information
Tips to staying healthy
Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! Regular old, break in half, popsicles are basically sugar water and help hydrate, as well as calm stomach nausea. Have a supply of Boost or Ensure on hand if you can. Go through your freezer for already prepared meals.
Rest. You should not be leaving your house! Even if you are feeling better you may will still be infectious for (14) fourteen days. Anyone OVER 65 OR people and specifically, those with existing health conditions should be avoided! Ask friends and family to leave supplies outside to avoid contact.
Meals. If ordering take out or meal delivery, keep a clean space for unpacking, do not eat out of the containers but transferring food to your own plates, discarding the containers it came in the disinfect the counter it touched. Same with groceries.
Deliveries. It may be advisable in dealing with deliveries wiping them off with sanitizer wipes for what you are ordering on line.
Stay in touch with your Doctors. Most of the healthcare providers are opening Tele-Med services so you can call your provider rather than GO to an office, that may have more sick people. Good Preparation is to call your doctor(s) office and clear with them what they want you to do, if/ when you are not feeling well.
If your feeling sick. You may not need to go to the hospital, unless directed by your Doctor. If you are having trouble breathing or your fever is very high (over 102 degrees) and is not being reduced with aspirin notify your physician, either on the healthcare portal or by phone. Your doctor can explain if you are healthy enough to be managed at home with basic rest/hydration/over-the-counter medications.
Preexisting conditions. If you have any pre-existing lung condition (COPD, emphysema, lung cancer, asthma) or are on immunosuppressants, NOW is the best time to talk to your Doctor or specialist and ask about what they would like you to do BEFORE you get sick.
Social Distancing. Make your own social distancing and take to a new level in your life. CDC recommends keeping a personal distance of 6 feet with others. Keep your phone charged. Call both old and new friends to check in on them. Be Aware and Prepared!
What should you make sure you have on hand for prevention preparation?
- Alcohol based hand sanitizer (must contain more than 65% alcohol)
- Bleach solution for cleaning (use 1 gallon of water to 1 cup of bleach)
- Toss a quarter cup bleach in your dishwater loads for extra sanitation
- Put pillows in the dryer for 20 minutes and rinse filter in bleach solution outlined above
- Make sure you are washing your hands in hot soapy water for 20 full seconds (sing Happy Birthday x 2 or say an Our Father!)
- If you have a preexisting respiratory condition use a humidifier to keep the air moist, look for an Ultrasonic or Impeller (cool mist)
What should I do if I feel symptomatic?
- Stay home and avoid contact with others (know that can carry virus for 14 days and be contagious, without symptoms)
- Take Dextromethorphan (DM) such as Mucinex DM
- Take acetaminophen – like Tylenol – unless otherwise indicated (for fever and over the counter medications for flu like symptoms)
- Use disposable tissues for your nasal symptoms and manage your cough effectively
- Drink Plenty of fluids, Rest at home, Use room humidifier
- Contact your healthcare provider and take their direction
For more information go to:
https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/training/index.html
www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/..
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/10-ways-to-help-avoid-coronavirus-when-you-have-to-leave-your-house/
https://www.today.com/health/how-survive-coronavirus-anxiety-8-tips-mental-health-experts-t175092