You're probably goint to get it -- here is what you should do now...

[Doug1943 1,614]

This is from a British nurse who noted that there is a lot of information about how NOT to get this thing, but little about what you should be doing in preparation if you (or a loved on) DO get it. So I'll pass it on here.  We can't afford to lose anyone!   (During WWI, before an offensive, they dug large pits in which to put all the bodies that they knew would result from it. We're not at that stage yet. Must have been very morale-raising for the troops.)

 

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So what I have seen a lot of is recommendations for how to try to avoid getting coronavirus in the first place -- good hand washing, personal hygiene and social distancing -- but what I have NOT seen a lot of is advice for what happens if you actually get it, which many of us will. So as your friendly neighborhood Nurse let me make some suggestions.

 

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’s coming!

 

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! Vick vaporub for your chest is also a great suggestion.

 

Vick vaporub for your chest is also a great suggestion.

 

If you don’t have a humidifier, that would be a good thing to buy and run 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 it is. 

 

This is also a good time to meal prep: make a big batch of your favorite soup to freeze and have on hand. 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 101, take Paracetamol.

 

Hydrate (drink!) hydrate hydrate!  Rest lots. You should not be leaving your house!  Even if you are feeling better may will still be infectious for fourteen days and older people and those with existing health conditions should be avoided! Ask friends and family to leave supplies outside to avoid contact.  

 

You DO NOT NEED TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL unless you are having trouble breathing or your fever is very high (over 103.5) 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, ring 111 [this is for UK – what is the US medical advice number?]  and they will advise if you need to go to hospital.  The hospital beds will be used for people who actively need oxygen/breathing treatments/IV fluids.

 

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.