Know The Facts About COVID-19

With the current situation regarding coronavirus disease or COVID-19, it’s essential to know the facts so you can stay healthy and help prevent the spread of disease. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. Let’s look at the side effects so you can identify potential symptoms.

How It Spreads

Coronavirus spreads by coming into close contact with an infected individual, usually within six feet. If a person sneezes or coughs, respiratory droplets can come into contact with another person’s face or hands.

Symptoms

Coronavirus symptoms manifest anywhere between two to 14 days after exposure and range from mild to severe.

They include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

If the following symptoms are present, seek medical assistance immediately:

• Extreme shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chest pain or pressure
• Confusion or inability to think clearly
• Bluish lips or face

Who’s At Risk?

• Older adults
• Individuals with preexisting conditions like heart or lung disease, diabetes, or HIV
• Pregnant women

How You Can Protect Yourself

The best way to prevent the spread of coronavirus and protect yourself is to regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not an option, use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.

Here are some other rules of thumb to protect yourself and your loved ones:

• Avoid close contact with other people, like hugging, kissing, or shaking hands
• Don’t touch your face, eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands first
• Only wear a facemask if you are sick or caring for a sick individual
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched like doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls

What Do You If You Are Sick

If you suspect you have coronavirus, call your primary care physician for medical advice. If you have mild symptoms, your doctor will most likely recommend you stay home to recover. Make sure to designate a sick room in your home to prevent the disease from spreading to others.

Monitor your symptoms and stay in contact with your physician. Call ahead before you go into a medical office to limit spreading the virus.

If you’re sick and isolating at home, you can leave if:

• You test negative for the contagion
• Have not had a fever for 72 hours
• Your cough and shortness of breath improve
• Seven days have passed since the first sign of symptoms

Ohioans Home Health & Hospice is committed to keeping our clients safe and healthy. If you have questions about our preventative safety measures, call 855.600.0806.