On Covid-19: So What do you do if you Get It?

To Avoid Covid-19

•        good hand washing 

•        personal hygiene 

•        social distancing

If you get Covid-19

You basically just want to prepare as though you know you’re going to get a nasty respiratory bug, like bronchitis or pneumonia. You just have the foresight to know it might come your way!

Things you should actually buy ahead of time (not sure what the obsession with toilet paper is?):

•        Kleenex

•        Paracetamol

•        whatever your generic, mucus thinning *cough medicine* of choice is (check the label and make sure you're not doubling up on Paracetamol) 

•        “Honey and lemon” can work just as well!

•        Vicks vaporub for your chest is also a great suggestion

•        a humidifier would be a good thing to buy and use in your room when you go to bed overnight. (You can also just turn the shower on hot and sit in the bathroom breathing in the steam).

•        If you have a history of asthma and you have a prescription inhaler, make sure the one you have isn’t expired and refill it/get a new one if necessary.

And then you should:

• Regarding Meals: This is also a good time to meal prep: make a big batch of your favorite soup to freeze and have on hand.

• Hydrate (drink!) hydrate, hydrate! Stock up on whatever  your favorite clear fluids are to drink - though tap water is fine you may appreciate some variety!

• For symptom management and a fever over 38°c, take Paracetamol rather than Ibuprofen.

• Rest lots: You should not be leaving your house!  Even if you are feeling better you may well still be infectious for fourteen days and older people and those with existing health conditions should be avoided!

• If you do get it Wear gloves and a mask to avoid contaminating others in your house

• Isolate in your bedroom if not living alone, ask friends and family to leave supplies outside to avoid contact.

• Sanitize your bed linen and clothes frequently by washing and clean your bathroom with recommended sanitizers.

And Then please note:

You DO NOT NEED TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL unless you are having trouble breathing or your fever is very high (over 39°C) and unmanaged with meds. 

90% of healthy adult cases thus far have been managed at home with basic rest/hydration/over-the-counter meds.

If you are worried or in distress or feel your symptoms are getting worse

Pre-existing risk:  If you have a pre-existing lung condition (COPD, emphysema, lung cancer) or are on immunosuppressants, now is a great time to talk to your Doctor or specialist about what they would like you to do if you get sick. 

•        Children - One major relief to you parents is that kids do VERY well with coronavirus— they usually bounce back in a few days (but they will still be infectious), Just use paediatric dosing .

•        Be calm and prepare rationally and everything will be fine.

And also by the way: How do you know you have coronavirus?

1.       Itching in the throat 

2.       Dry throat

3.       Dry cough

4.       High temperature 

5.       Shortness of breath

So where you notice these things quickly take warm water with lemon and drink.  

God bless you.