Preventing COVID 19

Last week we talked about how to talk to your kids about COVID 19. If you missed the blog post read it here. This week I’m going to talk to you about how to prevent COVID 19 and how to prevent the spread of it.

1) WASH YOUR HANDS

Frequently and carefully wash your hands often in warm water for AT LEAST 20 seconds. Be to to include under your fingernails, between your fingers, and your wrists. You may use hand sanitizer with a bare minimum of 60% alcohol, IF soap and water is not available. Cover ALL surfaces of your hands, and rub, rub, rub your hands until they are completely dry. So don’t leave home without it!

2) AVOID TOUCHING YOUR EYES, NOSE, AND MOUTH

These are the three ways germs and viruses enter the body. Germs live on surfaces for 72 hours, and just think of all the surfaces you touch throughout the day. Avoid touching any part of your face with dirty or “unknown” hands, as well as not biting your fingernails.

3) CLEAN AND DISINFECT SURFACES DAILY

This includes, but not limited to:

*light switches and remote controls

*door handles and knobs

*counter tops and tables/desks

*sinks and faucets

*phones, mobile pads, and keyboards

*car keys, car door handles

4) COVER YOUR COUGHS AND SNEEZES

Anytime you sneeze cover your mouth AND nose with either a clean tissue or, even better, use the bend of your elbow. This prevents putting virus droplets into the air for others around you to breathe in. Throw away the tissue, and WASH YOUR HANDS!

5) MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING

While this one is definitely not fun, it is a complete necessity! Social distancing is the practice of staying home, working remotely when possible, and only going out for absolute necessity. When you do have to go out, stay at least 6 feet from other people. You can transmit the virus, even if you have no symptoms, just by speaking to someone in close contact. Remember, you can be asymptomatic for up to 14 days with this virus, and still spread it to others. We need to flatten the curve, and that can only occur if we keep the virus contained. THIS WILL NOT LAST FOREVER! The quicker we flatten the curve, the quicker we can all get back to normal everyday life.

6) STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK

While it is true there are other viruses going around, this is a pandemic- it’s everywhere! Even if you do not have the “typical” coronavirus symptoms, viruses effect people and can start differently. Which means your first symptom may be a sore throat, or it may be a fever. The symptoms are not always the exact same for everybody. STAY HOME if you have any symptoms!! Contact your doctor, keep them updated on your symptoms. Start tracking your symptoms and keep a close eye on your temperature. If you do feel the need to be seen, call ahead to find if it’s necessary to come into the office. Follow all of your doctor’s instructions, and notify them if your symptoms get worse.

Next week I’ll be talking to you about ways we can keep our bodies healthy and our immune systems strong! If you would like to sign up for our blog posts so you don’t miss any tips sign up here.