COVID-19: How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a newly discovered infectious disease that is characterized by a moderate respiratory illness. Although the average person can recover without special treatment, older adults and individuals with underlying medical issues are at a higher risk of developing severe disease.

Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, and as a result, the best way to prevent getting sick is to avoid exposure to the virus. As a provider of nursing care in New Jersey, we will share tips on how you can protect yourself and your loved ones from illness:

1) Make sure to wash your hands well after you cough into them, after you sneeze or blow your nose, and before eating or preparing any food. Proper handwashing and disinfecting frequently used surfaces at home are essential to prevent the spread of the disease.

Moreover, practice social distancing of at least six feet when stepping outside to run errands. When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.

2) Get vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella if you were not already vaccinated.

3) Avoid crowds if possible. If you must go to a crowded place, wear a face mask and wash your hands frequently, especially after visiting the bathroom. Also make sure to stay away from public restrooms and do not give your used tissue to anyone when possible.

4) Do not shake hands with anyone. Wait to hug family and friends until they have washed their hands thoroughly. Kissing is okay but wash your hands afterwards.

5) If you start exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, do not go into public or use public transportation until you have been diagnosed by a physician and prescribed appropriate medication.

6) If you live with or have close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, avoid physical contact. Bring your own food in to the house and clean your hands frequently.

7) Avoid close contact with newborns and babies who were born prematurely or are infected by their mothers. People infected by COVID-19 can still spread the disease even if they do not have symptoms yet.

8) Do not donate blood or organs until you have been vaccinated against this virus.

9) If there is more than one case of COVID-19 in your group, wash your hands with soap and hot water for twenty seconds and rinse well. Then use hand sanitizer if possible (keep hand sanitizer at least 3 feet away from any open flame or cigarette lighter).

10) Wash all dishes and utensils before using them. If you have a dishwasher, run it twice with detergent during the wash cycle. Use a scrub brush or a dishcloth to clean your countertops and stovetops before using them again.

11) Keep all cooked food items covered until they are fully cooled. If you must leave the food uncovered, make sure to use a clean dishcloth and/or cover with a paper towel before serving it again.

12) Do not prepare foods in the kitchen while using the same utensils or dishes for preparing food and cleaning up afterwards.

13) Make sure to clean anything that may have come in contact with COVID-19, including combs, toothbrushes, and makeup.

14) Remember to wash your hands when you leave the house and before returning.

15) If you have been exposed to COVID-19, take a lukewarm shower or bath for at least 10 minutes every four hours throughout the day. This will help your body destroy more virus particles before they can infect you.

16) Seek help and support at home
Seniors in your household may require special assistance and support through this difficult time. The best way to get help is through home care services in Bloomfield, New Jersey. Doing so significantly lowers your risk of developing the disease and is much safer for older adults.

Serenity Senior Care is a trusted provider of senior care in New Jersey. To learn more about our home care services, please visit our FAQs page or get in touch with us.