The current situation is tough for all of us, especially for those with a suspected or a positive Covid-19 case at home. With millions of positive Covid-19 cases all around the world and hospitals flooded with patients having severe symptoms, it is becoming difficult for healthcare units and hospitals to accommodate patients who have mild illness.

In fact, doctors are recommending people with low-grade fever, mild cough, and sore throat to stay at home and self-isolate for 14 days to recover. However, this isn’t as simple as it may sound. Especially, for other people sharing the same space, it will become too tedious to take control of everything.

Follow this article to protect yourself and other family members if you’re looking after a Covid-19 patient at home.

Provide Support

First things first, it’s important that you help the patient follow their doctor’s advice. Symptoms might last a few days. Make sure you have all the basic medical supplies in hand, including Tylenol and paracetamol, to help the patient feel better.

Help Cover Basic Needs

Also, ensure the person who’s sick consumes lots of water and fluids to stay hydrated. Help the sick person get groceries and medicines from the nearby out of hours pharmacy whenever required.

Make sure you constantly stay in touch with the medical expert and ask questions about treatments. It’s extremely important to consider how looking after a Coronavirus-infected person may impact your own health. Keep in mind, you’re at higher risk of developing complications, if you’re above 60 and already have underlying health conditions.

Watch for Emergency Warning Signs

Immediately call the ambulance if you notice any emergency warning signs. These signs may include shortness of breath, high fever, pain or pressure in the chest, bluish marks on lips or face.

Note that these symptoms may vary from person to person.

Limit Contact

Covid-19 is a contagious infection and spreads between individuals through droplets of sneezes and coughs. Use a separate bathroom and bedroom. Even if you have no other option other than sharing the space, make sure the room has proper airflow. Open windows and increase air circulation to remove respiratory droplets from the air.

Eat in Separate Rooms

The infected person must be fed inside their room to prevent the spread of the disease. Also, try to keep the dishware separate and clean hands after handling used utensils.

Don’t Share Personal Items

Do not share anything – be it dishware, cups, cosmetics, or any other item such as a cellphone.

Clean Your Hands Often

Needless to say, you must wash your hands often (at least for 20 seconds) with an antibacterial soap. Tell everyone in your family to do the same. If soap and water aren’t easily accessible, you can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your hands. Last but not least, never touch your face with dirty hands.

Disinfect

Disinfect your house often with a disinfectant spray. Especially, on high-touch surfaces such as a doorknob, light switches, or taps. First, clean the area with plain soap and water and spray disinfectant generously on the surfaces. For electronics, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning a product.

Use Lined Trash Can

Discard used gloves, face masks, and cleaning cloths in a lined trash can. Make sure you always use gloves when removing/installing garbage liners. Clean your hands properly after handling or disposing trash.

When to Seek Medical Assistance?

Call the emergency room or your doctor immediately if you notice any emergency symptoms such as shortness of breath or high fever. Also, make sure you follow all social distancing measures when you have a Covid-19 infected patient at home.
Stay safe…