The Coronavirus: Stay Healthy & Live #LifeWithoutLimits

With news of the Coronavirus spreading worldwide, it is paramount to seek to understand what the symptoms are and how to avoid becoming infected. With the following overview, we will break down everything you need to know about the Coronavirus and how to stay healthy during a possible Pandemic.

Understanding the Coronavirus

With 80,000 cases confirmed globally, the Coronavirus can lead to severe respiratory tract infections and presents itself through cold or flu-like symptoms, such as: fever, cough, runny nose, and sore throat. According to the Journal of Hospital Infection, the Coronavirus can easily spread through person to person transmission or by coming into contact with infected fluid — which can survive on some surfaces for more than a week. As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination is still pending regulatory approval and clinical trials prior to becoming available to the public — cleanliness is currently the most effective means of prevention and preparing your home in case you get sick is crucial to consider. 

Who’s the Most At-Risk

With both mild and severe cases of the Coronavirus being recorded — it has been found that men, smokers, and seniors are the most susceptible to becoming infected due to the implications of lung damage and chronic medical conditions. This finding makes it imperative for seniors with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) — such as Bronchitis, Emphysema, or other respiratory diseases — take additional precautions, such as avoiding travel or heavily trafficked public spaces, to prevent contact with the Coronavirus. 

Preventing the Coronavirus

The following are low-impact prevention methods that can be utilized by people of all ages, especially seniors or those with autoimmune disorders, in order to minimize their risk of becoming infected.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth — wash your hands when you do
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
• Wash your hands frequently — especially after spending time in public
• Make sure you are drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep 
• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently utilized surfaces and objects
• Avoid close contact with people who may be experiencing symptoms
• Limit your exposure to public spaces and opt to stay at home 
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer throughout the day  
• Get a flu shot to sustain a stabilized immune system

Preparing Your Home

In case you fall ill or your community experiences a quarantine, it is incredibly important to stock up on essential items in advance and prepare your home for a time with limited access to resources — assisting senior loved ones in completing the following to ensure they stay healthy. 

• Purchase extra toilet paper, detergent, toiletries, pet food, and other staples 
• Purchase a two week supply of nonperishable food and bottled water
  
  
  • Canned — Soups, Beans, Vegetables, Fruits, Meats
  • Grains — Oats, Rice, Barkey, Farro, Pasta, Cereal
  • Dried — Fruits, Vegetables, Jerky, Beans
  • Nuts — Nut Butter, Whole Nuts
• Stock up on first aid items — over-the-counter fever and pain relief 
• Sign up for a grocery delivery app, like Instacart, to avoid crowds 
• Collect copies of your medical records and keep them on hand 
• Reach out to your Doctor about telehealth opportunities 
• Procure a backup supply of essential medications 
• Create an easily accessible emergency contact list 

Incase of Quarantine 

Prior to a potential Quarantine, self or government enforced, it is critical to research resources located within your community and to stay in touch with loved ones electronically. 

• Create a household plan of action in order to ensure at-risk relatives are cared for 
• Identify local aid organizations that can offer supplies and healthcare services during a shutdown
• Keep in touch with friends and family by phone or email — especially those at a higher risk
• Check to see if your community has a website or social media page offering resources or updates 

Our Response to COVID-19

The well-being and safety of both our customers and our team is our top priority, and will always be at the heart of any decision that we make. That’s why our team is actively monitoring the evolving situation, and taking every step to ensure that we’re doing all that we can to provide the continued safety of the people we protect. We are ready to serve you at every moment — emergency preparedness is at the heart of our service, and we will continue to remain available around the clock to get you the help you need, no matter what. 

For more information & updates on the Coronavirus, please check out the CDC.