FYI - COVID19 Info: Caring for Someone at Home, Prevention, Symptoms

 In today's blog you'll see the CDC's guidelines for caring for someone at home (and when they can finally leave isolation-it's quite a while). Also, BBC News provided a great visual checklist about what you should do to prevent getting COVID19 and the SYMPTOMS. Finally, there is an idea of how long social distancing and sheltering should last in the U.S.  Read on.

SIDE NOTE- Answer to your Question - "HOW LONG WILL THE SHELTERING ACTIONS LAST? - As of March 24, 2020: It lasted a MONTH in This area of China: CHINA TO END MONTHS-LONG HUBEI LOCKDOWN Chinese authorities announced they would end a two-month lockdown of most of virus-hit Hubei province at midnight. People with a clean bill of health will be allowed to leave. The city of Wuhan, where the outbreak started in late December, will remain locked down until April 8. Hubei has seen almost no new infections for more than a week.

  STOP MEETING OTHERS, ASAP. Young and old have died!  Stay at least 6 ft away from others. Don't ride crowded buses, subways, etc. Don't crowd in grocery stores, and certainly don't hoard. We need to be respectful of others. 
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Caring for someone at home
Most people who get sick with COVID-19 will have only mild illness and should recover at home.* Care at home can help stop the spread of COVID-19 and help protect people who are at risk for getting seriously ill from COVID-19. If you are caring for someone at home, monitor for emergency signs, prevent the spread of germs, treat symptoms, and carefully consider when to end home isolation.

*Note: Older adults and people of any age with certain serious underlying medical conditions like lung disease, heart disease, or diabetes are at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness and should seek care as soon as symptoms start.

Monitor the person for worsening symptoms. Know the emergency warning signs.

• Have their healthcare provider’s contact information on hand.
• If they are getting sicker, call their healthcare provider. For medical emergencies, call 911 and notify the dispatch personnel that they have or are suspected to have COVID-19.

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

Trouble breathing Persistent pain or pressure in the chest New confusion or inability to arouse Bluish lips or face *This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

Prevent the spread of germs when caring for someone who is sick

• Have the person stay in one room, away from other people, including yourself, as much as possible.
  • If possible, have them use a separate bathroom.
  • Avoid sharing personal household items, like dishes, towels, and bedding
  • If facemasks are available, have them wear a facemask when they are around people, including you.
  • It the sick person can’t wear a facemask, you should wear one while in the same room with them, if facemasks are available.
  • If the sick person needs to be around others (within the home, in a vehicle, or doctor’s office), they should wear a facemask.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after interacting with the sick person. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Every day, clean all surfaces that are touched often, like counters, tabletops, and doorknobs
  • Use household cleaning sprays or wipes according to the label instructions.
• Wash laundry thoroughly.
  • If laundry is soiled, wear disposable gloves and keep the soiled items away from your body while laundering. Wash your hands immediately after removing gloves.
• Avoid having any unnecessary visitors.
• For any additional questions about their care, contact their healthcare provider or state or local health department.

Provide symptom treatment

• Make sure the sick person drinks a lot of fluids to stay hydrated and rests at home.
• Over-the-counter medicines may help with symptoms.
• For most people, symptoms last a few days and get better after a week.

When to end home isolation (staying home)

• People with COVID-19 who have stayed home (are home isolated) can stop home isolation under the following conditions:
  • If they will not have a test to determine if they are still contagious, they can leave home after these three things have happened:
    • They have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use medicine that reduces fevers)
      AND  other symptoms have improved (for example, when their cough or shortness of breath have improved)
    • AND at least 7 days have passed since their symptoms first appeared
  • If they will be tested to determine if they are still contagious, they can leave home after these three things have happened: 
    • They no longer have a fever (without the use medicine that reduces fevers)
      AND other symptoms have improved (for example, when their cough or shortness of breath have improved)
    • ANDThey received two negative tests in a row, 24 hours apart. Their doctor will follow CDC guidelines.
    • BBC News 18 March 2020Share this with Facebook

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  How can I try to stay well?

  **WASH HANDS WITH HOT WATER, OR USE A GEL SANTIZER FOR 20 SECONDS

  **EVEN WITHOUT SYMPTOMS - WORK AT HOME, AVOID SOCIAL VENUES

  **USE A TISSUE FOR COUGHS

  **IF NO TISSUE- COUGH IN YOUR SLEEVE/ELBOW

  *AVOID TOUCHING EYES, NOSE AND MOUTH WITH UNWASHED HANDS 

  **AVOID CLOSE CONTACT WITH SICK PEOPLE 

  What are the symptoms - and what should I do if I feel unwell?

  
  

  
  

  

  
  
  
  

  REMINDER FROM THE CDC:  SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
  The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.: Fever • Cough • Shortness of breath
  Seek medical advice if you • Develop symptoms AND Have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19

  If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or inability to arouse
  • Bluish lips or face

  DURATION: The effects last about 3 weeks. At 1.5 weeks you will likely experience peak symptoms and then gradually improve until week 3. **STAY AT LEAST 3 TO 6 FEET FROM PEOPLE IN YOUR HOME***

  

  

  WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE SICK If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing.  THEN ASK THEM WHERE TO GET TESTED