Both fear and apathy seem to be growing when considering the
coronavirus (COVID-19). What is the latest, should we be concerned and what
should we be doing? ...
“As we’ve seen from recent countries with community spread,
when it has hit those countries, it has moved quite rapidly. We want to make
sure the American public is prepared. As more and more countries experience
community spread, successful containment at our borders becomes harder and
harder,” said Nancy Messonnier, director of CDC’s National Center for
Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
The CDC urged American businesses and families to start
preparing for the possibility of a bigger outbreak. Messonnier advised parents
to ask their children’s schools about plans for closures, businesses to
consider whether they can offer telecommuting options to their employees, and
hospitals to look into expanding telehealth services. She also said, “we as a
family ought to be preparing for significant disruption to our lives.”
(Click for the Full Article)
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Be Ready to Self-Quarantine |
In Case of a
Community Health Emergency: Be Ready to Self-Quarantine
By Carolyn Nicolaysen ·
October 15, 2019
(Click for the Full Article)
There is a limit to what government or the health care
community can do in advance of a pandemic outbreak. The U.S. Federal
Government, the World Health Organization, and others are monitoring the flu,
as well as other pandemic threats closely. The United States has active
national as well as international programs for manufacturing, pre-positioning,
and stockpiling antiviral drugs, masks, and other supplies. A lesson we have
learned from the response to hurricanes, floods, and the destruction caused by
tornadoes and earthquakes, we need to be prepared to care for all our own
needs.
In the United States, former Secretary Leavitt of the
Department of Health and Human Services (DHS) has stated that “any community
[or individual] that fails to prepare—with the expectation that the
federal government can come to the rescue—will be tragically wrong” (April 10,
2006).
Stock up on:
·
N95 particulate face masks.
·
Paper plates, cup, bowls, and utensils will cut
down on the possibility that germs will be passed as meals are cleared. They
will also save precious time for those who are the care givers and a must have
should the power fail.
·
Paper towels, become essential items for keeping
your home germ free.
·
Large plastic trash bags for soiled clothing,
towels, and trash.
·
Bleach and/or hydrogen peroxide for laundry and
cleaning, and other disinfectant cleaning supplies should be stored now.
·
Prescription drugs to insure a continuous supply
in your home. You may ask your doctor if he has samples or can help you to
lawfully prepare. This is especially important for medications such as insulin
that cannot be rationed.
·
Nonprescription drugs including pain and fever
relievers, stomach remedies, anti- diarrhea medications, and cough and cold
medicines and preventive medications.
·
Remember, never give young children aspirin.
Purchase medications specifically designed for children.
·
Fluids with electrolytes.
·
Anti-bacterial wipes for cleaning up after
attending to a patient.
·
Hand sanitizers. These should be used every time
you are with someone who is ill or after you shake hands with anyone.
Whether you are trying to prevent disease or prevent it from
spreading, you will want to take precautions in every aspect of your family
routine. Now is the time to start by teaching and practicing good habits.
Avoid shaking hands with someone who is ill, begin the habit
now. If this is impossible, thoroughly wash your hands as soon as possible or
use a hand sanitizer.
Decide now which room in your home will be used to care for
those who are ill. A room with its own bathroom is the best. You will want to
keep a patient as far away from healthy family members as possible. Be sure to
have several sets of sheets for the bed or beds in that room.
