Stay home, don’t pet the dog, and constantly monitor your symptoms.
So, you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or you have been exposed to someone else who has tested positive for the coronavirus. You are now living out a multiple-day quarantine or self-isolation period in your home, or in some other place where you can hunker down and limit your contact with others. You are now sitting, waiting ready with the phone in hand, the internet blazing, and the TV on. What’s next? Here are 10 things experts at Harvard Health say you should now do.
Don’t Go Out
Seeing as you are now potentially sick with a deadly disease, this is a no-brainer. But it can be hard to remember. Do not go out into the big wide world while in isolation or quarantine. No visits to work, school, the pizza parlour, nada. Get a family member or a friend to do your errands for you, and postpone all appointments until a later date. Of course, if you feel your symptoms are suddenly worse, don’t hesitate to go to the local hospital.
Related: The Real Scoop on Asymptomatic People
Monitor Your Symptoms
Protect the health of others and make sure that your own stays safe, too. COVID-19 can take a turn for the worse. Harvard Health recommends you take your temperature twice a day. Pay close attention to your breathing and your cough. Get immediate medical health if you have trouble with either. So people also get a device called a pulse oximeter to monitor their blood oxygen levels while fighting COVID-19. If your readings fall below 95%, experts say you should call your doctor. Don’t hesitate to get help, and fight for attention if your gut says you need it.
Cover Your Sneeze and Cough
As you would with any other virus, cover your nose and mouth to limit spreading it. Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. Dispose of the tissue immediately, and wash your clothing regularly. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
Don’t Pet the Dog
Strange but true, COVID-19 has shown up in regular household pets. If you live in a home with other people and are isolating yourself there, do not pet your pet. This may be hard to avoid. You help everyone, however, if you abstain from touching your dog or cat. If you caress your pet with infected hands, you can spread the virus to the next person who also pets the dog. You can also risk transferring the virus to your pet.
Call Ahead
Call in advance of visiting your healthcare provider. This can allow them to be ready for you. The proper precautions must be taken, and they may advise you visit the hospital instead.
Wear a Mask
This goes without saying but we’ll say it again. If you must go out into public, it is imperative that you wear a face mask to prevent the spread of your COVID-19. The virus spreads through infected droplets that are expelled through your nose and mouth when you breathe, talk, cough, or sneeze. Wearing a mask protects those around you by preventing these droplets from traveling.
Clean Your Hands Often
Wash your hands for twenty seconds with soap and water frequently throughout the day. This can help prevent the virus from spreading around your home. Using hand sanitizer can also work. You may be the only person in your home, but others may need to enter should an emergency strike, and you want to keep things as safe as possible, just in case.
Related: How the Coronavirus is Much Worse Than the Flu
Stock Up
Get a friend or family member to help you stock up on needed items for your quarantine or isolation. This includes any medications you may need, first aid items, and food. Fresh fruits and veggies are great but it is best at this time to gear your list towards nonperishable items. Canned and frozen goods, dried goods and basics like flour and sugar can go a long way. (Click here and scroll down for a more complete list of items).
Clean High-Touch Surfaces Each Day
If you are living with others, ensure you clean high-touch surfaces each day, or more often. These include door knobs, TV controllers, light switches, toilets, phones, keyboards, tables, and countertops. Choose a product from this list to get the job done.
Don’t Share Your Toothbrush
You are likely not sharing your toothbrush in the best of times, and certainly don’t do it now. Keep all personal items for yourself including your phone, utensils, towels, bedding, dishes, and glasses. What’s yours is yours. Now isn’t the time to share, or you may also share your infection.
For a more complete list of tips for quarantine and isolation during the pandemic, click here.
photo credits: Mabeline72/Shutterstock.com
