Coronavirus Care

Whether you’re scrolling through the news or your Facebook feed, coronavirus cases are the leading topic of conversation. It’s easy to find yourself bobbing aimlessly around in the sea of memes, store closings, toilet paper shortages, and fear. But it’s important to stay calm, follow tips to protect yourself, and know how to care for yourself if you do get sick.

Both the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend the same steps for protecting yourself from coronavirus:

• Wash your hands frequently and for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your face, which can spread the virus if you’ve recently touched a contaminated surface.
• Maintain at least three feet between yourself and others, especially if someone is coughing or sneezing.
• Stay home if you are sick.

You should call your healthcare provider if you begin exhibiting coronavirus symptoms like fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. Make sure to cover your coughs with your elbow, and wear a mask to prevent spreading illness to other people. Also, when calling for a medical appointment, let the staff know you are experiencing coronavirus symptoms, so they can protect themselves and other patients.

Should you contract coronavirus, don’t panic. 80% of people recover from coronavirus without needing hospitalization or special treatment. Do stay home, wear a mask to help keep the virus from spreading, and keep washing those hands! And take care of yourself to speed healing along. Some helpful advice from WebMD and Duke University Health includes:

• Drinking lots of fluids.
• Getting plenty of rest.
• Treating fever and a sore throat with over-the-counter medicine.
• Using a humidifier to help ease sinus, throat, and respiratory discomfort.

Remember, most coronavirus illnesses are mild and don’t require hospitalization. Take extra care to protect yourself, and take extra special care of yourself if you do get sick.