Hoping that you won’t get COVID-19 is not a positive action – it comes in the victim category, and wastes precious time!
Take ACTION! Here is what to do..to prepare, just in case.. 😉
*What to do if If you get Covid-19*
You basically just want to prepare as though you know you’re going to get a nasty respiratory bug, like bronchitis or pneumonia. Bonus: You just have the foresight to know it might come your way!
*Things you should actually buy ahead of time* (not sure what the obsession with toilet paper is?):
• *Kleenex,*
• *Paracetamol*,
• whatever your generic, mucus thinning *cough medicine* of choice is (check the label and make sure you’re not doubling up on Paracetamol)
• *Honey and lemon* can work just as well!
• *Vicks* vaporub for your chest is also a great suggestion.
• *A humidifier* would be a good thing to buy and use in your room when you go to bed overnight. (You can also just turn the shower on hot and sit in the bathroom breathing in the steam).
• *If you have a history of asthma* and you have a prescription inhaler, make sure the one you have isn’t expired and refill it/get a new one if necessary.
• *Meals* This is also a good time to meal prep: make a big batch of your favourite soup to freeze or lasagne, or whatever and have it on hand. Get tins in e.g. soup, fruit in syrup, rice pudding;  and things in the freezer – veg, ready meals, bread, even milk etc
• *Hydrate (drink!) hydrate, hydrate!* Stock up on whatever your favourite clear fluids are to drink – though tap water is fine you may appreciate some variety!
• *For symptom management* and a fever over 38°c, take Paracetamol rather than Ibuprofen.
• *Rest lots*. You should not be leaving your house! Even if you are feeling better you may will still be infectious for fourteen days and older people and those with existing health conditions should be avoided!
• *Wear gloves and a mask* to avoid contaminating others in your house
• *Isolate* in your bedroom if not living alone, ask friends and family to leave supplies outside to avoid contact.
• *Sanitize* your bed linen and clothes frequently by washing and clean your bathroom with recommended sanitizers.
*You DO NOT NEED TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL unless** you are having trouble breathing or your fever is very high (over 39°C) and unmanaged with medicines.
90% of healthy adult cases thus far have been managed at home with basic rest/hydration/over-the-counter meds.
**If you are worried or in distress or feel your symptoms are getting worse*
*Preexisting risks* If you have a pre-existing lung condition (COPD, emphysema, lung cancer) or are on immunosuppressants, now is a great time to talk to your Doctor or specialist about what they would like you to do if you get sick.
*Children-* One major relief to you parents is that kids do VERY well with coronavirus— they usually bounce back in a few days (but they will still be infectious), Just use pediatric dosing .
*Be calm and prepare rationally* and everything will be fine.
Finally, if you want a complete checklist for a Hospital Bag List – get it with your FREE Starter Kit.
Great Guidelines Starter Kit
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Get into action – let’s beat this!
© Gayle Palmer, Great Guidelines for Later Life.
