What if someone I live with gets sick?

What if someone I live with gets sick?

Most people who get Covid 19 can safely and fully recover at home. If someone in your home is sick, there things you can do to help them and to protect yourself from becoming infected. If a person is sick they should isolate from the rest of the house, but it’s also important to remember that they will need help, not only in staying isolated, but in meeting their basic needs. The symptoms of the disease can be rough, too, so remember, they’re sick, too. They’ll need your help.

• Help them with basic needs.
  • Remind them to follow their doctors instructions
  • Help them manage their symptoms with medications and care
  • Get them the supplies they need (medicine, toiletries, laundry, food and drink, etcetera)
  • Monitor their symptoms to track to see if they’re improving or worsening
  • Keep them engaged in the household, they’ll be lonely and feel like they’re a burden.
  • Take care of their pets
  • Remind them to exercise
  • Keep the doctor’s number handy, and call if symptoms worsen
  • Seek emergency help if the person has:

• • • Trouble breathing
    • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
    • New confusion
    • Inability to wake or stay awake
    • Bluish lips or face

• Protect yourself
  • Stay at least 6 feet apart
  • Wear a mask, preferably a medical mask if you’re in close contact with the person
  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds frequently, use hand sanitizer
  • Use a separate bedroom and bathroom, if possible
  • If you have to share a space maintain social distancing, wear a face mask, have them wear a face mask, and open a window to increase the air circulation
  • Eat in separate rooms and don’t share utensils or dishes
  • Wash the sick person’s dishes with soap in hot water, and wear gloves while washing them.
  • Wash your hands again after removing the gloves
  • Don’t share personal items with a person who is sick, including dishes, toiletries, brushes, sheets, blankets, towels, soap, shampoo
• Keeping it Clean
  • Clean and disinfect “high-touch” surfaces and every day items, like tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks, and electronics.
  • Use soap and water first, then follow up with a disinfectant cleaner.
  • Be careful using cleaning products, many can cause further breathing problems if used in closed spaces or combined. Read the instructions.
  • If you’re sharing a room with a sick person, don’t over clean. Only clean the person’s area if it’s dirty, to limit contact and possible infection.
  • The sick person can clean if they’re feeling healthy enough, but be careful if they are having trouble breathing. Don’t have them use strong cleaners if they’re having any respirator symptoms.
  • Make sure the sick person has their own cleaning supplies including tissues, paper towels, cleaners and sponges. Don’t share.
  • If you’re sharing a bathroom the sick person should clean up after themselves after each use, including disinfecting. If this isn’t possible, wear a mask and wait as long as possible after the sick person has used the bathroom before cleaning it.
  • Make sure to use liners or bags in all garbage cans.
• Laundry
  • Do the sick person’s laundry separately.
  • Don’t shake it out
  • Wear disposable gloves
  • Wear a face mask
  • Wipe down the machines after putting the dirty laundry in
  • Wash in hot water whenever possible
  • Remove gloves and wash hands right away
  • Dry on the hottest setting possible
  • Wash hands after putting the clothes in the dryer
  • Clean and disinfect the hampers before putting clean clothes back in
  • Wash your hands afterwards