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"Buckle up, Arkansas!": A thread
We're seeing the highest rates of cases & hospitalizations of the pandemic. We know strong policies very effective w/ this virus, but nothing coming.
So how to prepare for what's ahead? A few suggestions from your friendly neighborhood epi.
We're seeing the highest rates of cases & hospitalizations of the pandemic. We know strong policies very effective w/ this virus, but nothing coming.
So how to prepare for what's ahead? A few suggestions from your friendly neighborhood epi.
1) Reevaluate your exposures.
Minimize time indoors w/ people outside your household. Use curbside or delivery for shopping & take-out. Kroger & Walmart have free curbside over $35 & service has improved since spring. Social visits should be virtual or outdoors & distanced.
Minimize time indoors w/ people outside your household. Use curbside or delivery for shopping & take-out. Kroger & Walmart have free curbside over $35 & service has improved since spring. Social visits should be virtual or outdoors & distanced.
2) Have to be around others? Shore up precautions.
Wear well-fitting masks that are high quality (surgical mask or KN95 grade) or multilayer. If you can feel air flow around the edges, try a diff mask. Worried whether sufficient? Double mask. And stay distanced even w/ mask!
Wear well-fitting masks that are high quality (surgical mask or KN95 grade) or multilayer. If you can feel air flow around the edges, try a diff mask. Worried whether sufficient? Double mask. And stay distanced even w/ mask!
Tips to make masks fit better:
Great tip for surgical masks: https://www.today.com/health/how-make-mask-fit-better-how-wear-surgical-mask-t189236
General hacks: https://www.nebraskamed.com/COVID/13-mask-hacks-to-make-your-mask-fit-better
Band aid or surgical tape to prevent fogged glasses & improve fit: https://vitals.lifehacker.com/stop-glasses-from-fogging-up-with-a-band-aid-on-your-ma-1845718985
Great tip for surgical masks: https://www.today.com/health/how-make-mask-fit-better-how-wear-surgical-mask-t189236
General hacks: https://www.nebraskamed.com/COVID/13-mask-hacks-to-make-your-mask-fit-better
Band aid or surgical tape to prevent fogged glasses & improve fit: https://vitals.lifehacker.com/stop-glasses-from-fogging-up-with-a-band-aid-on-your-ma-1845718985
3) Find out where your local testing sites are.
It can be very stressful to scramble to find a testing site if you develop symptoms. Ask around to find out what is available in your community. (PCR tests take longer but are accurate; rapid antigen may need a confirmatory PCR)
It can be very stressful to scramble to find a testing site if you develop symptoms. Ask around to find out what is available in your community. (PCR tests take longer but are accurate; rapid antigen may need a confirmatory PCR)
4) Get ready for COVID home care.
If someone in your household gets sick, you'll want to be ready with basic supplies. Essentials: https://www.memorialhermann.org/everydaywell/health-wellness/care-kit/
Also helpful but can be pricey: pulse ox to monitor pt; humidifier, HEPA purifier to reduce risk of transmission to others.
If someone in your household gets sick, you'll want to be ready with basic supplies. Essentials: https://www.memorialhermann.org/everydaywell/health-wellness/care-kit/
Also helpful but can be pricey: pulse ox to monitor pt; humidifier, HEPA purifier to reduce risk of transmission to others.
5) Make your COVID home care plan.
In a multiperson home, can be hard to have a good isolation area. Consider best place for someone to stay if sick. Best not to share a bathroom if possible; best not to share recirculated air.
Advice from CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/care-for-someone.html
In a multiperson home, can be hard to have a good isolation area. Consider best place for someone to stay if sick. Best not to share a bathroom if possible; best not to share recirculated air.
Advice from CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/care-for-someone.html
6) Read up on COVID home care.
If you become sick, loop your PCP in early! But it's good to understand the basics of home care and be ready.
Good advice, in addition to the CDC link above -
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/treating-covid-19-at-home/art-20483273
Univ of MI: https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/wellness-prevention/14-things-to-do-if-someone-you-live-has-covid-19
If you become sick, loop your PCP in early! But it's good to understand the basics of home care and be ready.
Good advice, in addition to the CDC link above -
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/treating-covid-19-at-home/art-20483273
Univ of MI: https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/wellness-prevention/14-things-to-do-if-someone-you-live-has-covid-19
It's going to be a long several months! Stay safe, guys.
