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I’ve been caring for my COVID-stricken boyfriend for 8 days, in quarantine. It’s been pretty tough, he still isn’t better.
So, I've listed some things I've learned, in case you / someone you know has a similar situation to mine (of course, I can’t speak for everyone!)
So, I've listed some things I've learned, in case you / someone you know has a similar situation to mine (of course, I can’t speak for everyone!)
1/
DO A MEDS INVENTORY
If you have a 3 day supply when symptoms start, start asking around for help to get more, it can take that long for your friends/neighbours to get them to you safely. Supplement paracetamol with cough syrup/drops and sleep remedies. Keep it legal, kids.
DO A MEDS INVENTORYIf you have a 3 day supply when symptoms start, start asking around for help to get more, it can take that long for your friends/neighbours to get them to you safely. Supplement paracetamol with cough syrup/drops and sleep remedies. Keep it legal, kids.
2/ Even if your loved one is congested, DO NOT FUCKING USE SUDAFED! It will exacerbate fever, convulsions and insomnia, which Kit is still battling.
3/KEEP A DRUG DIARY
Keep a log of times and dates of every single time you give them meds, you WILL forget as time becomes warped, and it'll help you plan your day around them.
KEEP A DRUG DIARYKeep a log of times and dates of every single time you give them meds, you WILL forget as time becomes warped, and it'll help you plan your day around them.
4/
FIND A ROUTINE FOR MANAGING THE FEVER
Regularly apply a light cloth (rather than a towel) soaked in ice water to the head, neck and chest. It can take 1+hour to bring down a fever, and may happen several times a night. Be patient.
FIND A ROUTINE FOR MANAGING THE FEVERRegularly apply a light cloth (rather than a towel) soaked in ice water to the head, neck and chest. It can take 1+hour to bring down a fever, and may happen several times a night. Be patient.
Sounds obvious but refill the ice cube tray as soon as you use the ice, before you even apply the cloth. If you don’t have an tray, freeze a water bottle and wrap the cloth around it. No hot showers or baths unless their temperature is regulated, it'll set you back a day.
5/ 
STAY POSITIVE
This can be difficult, dig deep! The worst thing for us has been Kit's insomnia, which has led to him experiencing delirium/desperation. Assure your loved one it's temporary, because their mind might convince them otherwise – and the nights can be endless.
STAY POSITIVEThis can be difficult, dig deep! The worst thing for us has been Kit's insomnia, which has led to him experiencing delirium/desperation. Assure your loved one it's temporary, because their mind might convince them otherwise – and the nights can be endless.
6/
PRIORITISE YOUR OWN SLEEP AND EXERCISE
I initially felt guilt for sleeping when Kit couldn’t, but it meant I was in better shape to cook, clean, care, and “go to” work throughout the day. Try and keep a sleep routine of your own. Take your daily walk, even for 5 minutes.
PRIORITISE YOUR OWN SLEEP AND EXERCISEI initially felt guilt for sleeping when Kit couldn’t, but it meant I was in better shape to cook, clean, care, and “go to” work throughout the day. Try and keep a sleep routine of your own. Take your daily walk, even for 5 minutes.
6/
ASK FOR AND ACCEPT HELP
You need your own support network when you are being someone else’s. Plus, people LOVE to help – you can pay forward the favour elsewhere when you’re out of quarantine, we’re all in this together.
ASK FOR AND ACCEPT HELPYou need your own support network when you are being someone else’s. Plus, people LOVE to help – you can pay forward the favour elsewhere when you’re out of quarantine, we’re all in this together.
I don’t want to scare anyone but this virus doesn't fuck around. Kit and I are The 1% in terms of our privilege in this scenario, and it's still been really tough.
Take care, stay home, offer support where you can, and wash them filthy fingers x
Take care, stay home, offer support where you can, and wash them filthy fingers x
