Coronavirus (COVID-19) Homecare and Precautions

Coronavirus has engulfed the world and pushed our lives into uncertainty. So far, the deadly pandemic has claimed more than 200,000 lives globally and left several thousands undergoing treatment. But is there a way to prevent the onset and spread of the coronavirus? The World Health Organization and the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recommend taking adequate Coronavirus (COVID-19) homecare and precautions to stay healthy and limit the spread of the disease.

Homecare for patients with mild symptoms of COVID-19 and management of their contacts

People having COVID-19 usually develop symptoms – fever and mild respiratory troubles – 5 to 6 days after contracting the infection. The doctor will likely recommend homecare if someone in your family has the coronavirus; has tested positive for COVID-19 or has shown flu-like symptoms – sore throat, cough, and fever. Besides, sick and ailing members of the family should stay indoors to prevent the disease from spreading to others, unless they need medical care. Here is how you can look after your loved ones at home during the coronavirus outbreak –

• Help them follow the doctor’s instructions and take medications on time. For most people, the symptoms last only a few days and they show improvement after a week.
• See if OTC medications are helping them feel better.
• Ensure that the sick person is drinking enough fluids and getting adequate rest.
• Make sure they do not step outdoors at all, even for basic needs, such as grocery shopping.
• Ensure that they are maintaining good hygiene while staying in isolation. This includes wearing a facemask or covering the mouth with a disposable tissue when talking, sneezing or coughing.
• Wash their clothing, towel, and bedding with detergent and hot water.

How to care for yourself at home

Caring for yourself is as important as caring for someone at home. Regardless of whether someone in your family has the coronavirus infection, you must follow certain precautionary steps to keep it at bay.

• Cover your face with a mask or a clean cloth if you must be in the same room with a sick person.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently with liquid soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after tending to a sick person. In case you do not have immediate access to soap and water, use a hand sanitizer with an alcohol concentration of  60% or more.
• Wear gloves when caring for a sick person.
• Clean high-touch areas, objects and surfaces (doorknobs, toilet seats, top of the table, bed-rails, TV /AC remote etc.) with disinfectant
• Limit contact with the sick person – use separate utensils, bathroom and bedroom, avoid using personal belongings.
• Use lined dustbins to dispose off masks, gloves, and other contaminated items.
• Track your health – watch out for the warning signs and consult a doctor if you feel unwell.
• Eat healthily and exercise regularly at home to strengthen the immune system.

Infection prevention and control in the household is possible if you abide by the above COVID-19 checklist for homecare.

A few other things you can do

Staying indoors, away from friends and family, can get a bit lonely sometimes, especially for the elderly and the children. You can boost the morale of your family members by engaging them in fun activities

• Stay connected with them through phone calls and video calls.
• Let your children play games online while maintaining social distance.
• Encourage them to pursue a hobby – reading, singing, playing an instrument. However, make sure that these are kept separate and cleaned every day.

When to see the doctor

The COVID-19 checklist for homecare is a probable way to prevent the spread of the disease. However, if you see a person getting worse, consult the doctor right away.Look out for signs, like –

• Shortness of breath
• Persistent heaviness or pain in the chest
• Face and lips turning blue
• Inability to wake up

Discuss the symptoms and seek emergency treatment. If you must accompany them to the clinic, do not step out without wearing a mask and gloves. Alternatively, you can consult a doctor online on MediBuddy.

Conclusion

Following the above Coronavirus (COVID-19) homecare and precautions, you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe from the clutches of the deadly pandemic. Children and the elderly need to be taken special care of. Keep yourself updated on the news and health advisories shared by various healthcare organizations. Most importantly, keep track of your health and stay in touch with your healthcare provider from home. [av_promobox button='yes' label='Book Online Consultation' link='https://www.medibuddy.in/?utm_source=blog_cta&utm_medium=blog' link_target='' color='blue' custom_bg='#f00' custom_font='#ffffff' size='large' icon_select='no' icon='ue800' font='entypo-fontello']Get in touch with a trusted specialist doctor online, from the comfort of your home, on MediBuddy.[/av_promobox] Sources:

1. CDC
2. Kidshealth