Carol Moehrle
Everywhere you turn, we are hearing and feeling the affects of the new Coronavirus. Starting with this Friday post, I will be sharing with you the facts of COVID-19 as it unfolds in our country.
What we know this week:
- The Coronavirus is changing hourly, and we are experiencing events that have not happened in our lifetime.
- Most people will not contact Coronavirus, and the majority of those who do will experience mild symptoms.
- Our focus needs to be two-fold: 1) to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus to the elderly and health-compromised, who could become seriously ill from the virus, and 2) to help preserve the capacity in our healthcare facilities.
- We must all do our part to control the spread of Coronavirus to the vulnerable population, then our healthcare facilities won’t be overrun with too many patients in a short amount of time.
- The signs and symptoms of Coronavirus are similar to the regular flu. Fever over 100.4 degrees F, cough and difficulty breathing.
- Most people can deal with these symptoms by staying home and taking care of themselves for a few days. No need to seek medical care unless your symptoms worsen.
It feels like we have no control of what’s going on around us, however we actually do have control. Here are several things we can control:
- Avoid social gatherings, especially if there are 10 or more people.
- Do not visit nursing homes, retirement or long-term care facilities, but you can write notes to the residents. Or have your children at home send cards and letters to these elderly that are isolated.
- Check on your neighbors, especially if they are elderly. Help them with their needs for food or supplies.
- If you feel sick, STAY HOME. Call your medical provider if your symptoms worsen. Do not go to a clinic or hospital unless your provider instructs you to. We need to save the hospitals for those with the most critical symptoms.
And most important:
- Wash your hands , especially after touching frequently used surfaces.
- Avoid touching your face. (Viruses enter through your eyes, nose, mouth. Don’t touch).
- Cover your cough and sneeze. Wash your hands after.
- Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces. (We don’t need special wipes, a bleach solution works just great).
Simple, everyday precautions can keep you healthy and virus free.
Until next week.
b-Resilient
Carol M Moehrle, RN
Public Health Director
If you have questions, email me at : [email protected]