We have been advised by the WHO and government leaders to stay indoors and keep safe physical distances in order to stop the growing number of COVID-19 positive cases. But staying indoors has proved hard for many people because we still have to earn a living, shop for basic necessities, and visit hospitals and other crowded places. Such dynamics have forced most regions to reopen their economies and gradually relax their lockdown measures.
Most people have agreed to wear face masks and keep social distance when in public, which has helped slow down the pandemic, but there is a sizable population that doesn’t seem to care much about their own safety, or the safety of their vulnerable compatriots. The recklessness exhibited by such people means that you or your home mates can still come into contact with contaminated surfaces or respiratory droplets out there. That increases the concerns for our safety and the safety of our loved ones at home.
We clearly have a long way to go until we are completely out of the woods. You, therefore, need to learn how to deal with coronavirus at home. Here are a few things you should know:
1. Increase airflow in indoor spaces could go a long way
Though not confirmed, virologists predict that coronavirus transmissions could be more prevalent in closed and poorly ventilated spaces compared to open spaces. That makes small living spaces very risky especially if your home is crowded. It is important to invest in home additions, say add an extra bathroom or bedroom, to ease the crowding. Additional ventilation could also go a long way in ridding the home off infected respiratory droplets in case infected housemate coughs or sneezes. Therefore, investing in bathroom remodeling at this stage is highly important to preserve the health and hygiene of everyone in the house.
2. Know basic coronavirus care
In case a loved one has the virus, help them with their medicine and take care of them as per WHO’s and their doctor’s instructions for care. Most people, especially those without any underlying health issues, usually feel better after a week, but that week can be pretty intense for both the patient and their roommates. The good thing is that coronavirus symptoms can be alleviated by most over-the-counter fever medicines, so yours will be to figure out which meds work best for your loved one. You also should ensure that the infected person drinks a lot of fluids and gets sufficient rest. Note that these meds and care techniques can ONLY help the person feel better; they aren’t curative or preventative. Seek emergency medical care immediately the person starts to feel pain or excessive pressure in the chest, gets breathing problems, or his lips or face turns bluish.
3. You have a duty to protect others if you are ill
First step: Protect yourself out there by not touching public surfaces, washing or disinfecting your hands regularly, wearing a mask at all times, and getting yourself thoroughly cleaned up immediately you get home- before you touch anything in the home! Second step: Get tested if you feel like you’ve been exposed to the virus or if you notice any coronavirus symptoms.
If you already have the virus, limit your movement around the home and avoid shared spaces such as the kitchen and the living room. Clean high-touch surfaces every day unless you are too ill to do anything, in which case you should send for a doctor. Avoid sharing personal household items such as electronics. If you can stay away from your family members until your doctor gives you a clean bill of health, the better it will be for everyone.
4. You can still work out
Working out regularly can help your body fight the virus faster if you are ill, or boost your immune system if you are in the high-risk group. There are many workouts to try during quarantine including jumping jacks, weightless squats, and single-leg jumps. You can also dance or ride a bike in the backyard. For as long as you are sweating, you are doing great!
5. Avoid myths and misinformation
There are lots of rumors, myths, and misconceptions around the pandemic. They are not supported by scientific evidence, but they are being peddled by high-profile figures (presidents included), so you are likely to believe them. Someone even said that warm weather can suppress the coronavirus, and that turned out to be untrue. Our advice is that you only listen to virologists, the WHO, and medical professionals for medical advice on coronavirus.
What else should you know?
Remember to take care of yourself if you’re caring for someone with coronavirus or who has coronavirus symptoms. Stay in touch with family and friends so you don’t feel so lonely and play online games to keep your mind engaged. Lastly, keep the house clean and disinfected at all times. This will be over very soon.
-Nora Price