Two years in the pandemic era taught us to live with the Covid-19 virus, because like it or not, it’s here to stay for a while.
You may have noticed this general acceptance in the recent easing of restrictions and the faint semblance of “normal” starting to emerge.
So we march on with new behaviors to keep us safe, like sanitizing obsessively, wearing masks, and not touching our faces. But nothing can one hundred percent guarantee that we won’t catch Covid-19.
So, what if someone in your household gets the disease? First of all, do not panic! Mask up then proceed with this checklist of things to do:
Designate a “sick room” and “sick bathroom”
Immediately isolate the sick person.
Choose a room with a window to allow air to circulate. If possible, choose a room with a bathroom.
If you only have a shared bedroom, give the room to the sick person and sleep on the couch or other space in your home for now.
If you only have a shared bathroom, always disinfect every surface your sick loved one touches each time they use the bathroom.
Get tested
This goes for everyone in your household. It helps to have a list of numbers or suppliers you can contact when you need to get tested.
Clean, clean, clean – then disinfect
Clean and disinfect any area the sick person may have touched before they went into isolation.
You should also wash the clothes they wore before their positive test. Just take note to separate their laundry from yours.
Stay home
You and your household will need to quarantine for a minimum of fourteen days because of your exposure.
Inform people who need to know about your situation and get ready to order a lot of groceries and delivery.
Use a thermometer and fingertip pulse oximeter to track their symptoms
Help your loved one track their symptoms daily. Record these and take note when new symptoms occur.
Keep a stash of medicines that help with Covid-19 symptoms
Provide medicines for the sick person if they have high fever, coughs and colds, headaches, and body pains.
Make sure they don’t take more than the recommended dose and keep track of what they have taken and when. You can also consult with a doctor.
Help them stay nourished and hydrated
Have a stack of food your loved one likes when they’re sick to make eating better. Check that they are eating healthy food and drinking loads of water and non-alcoholic clear liquids.
If they can get out of bed, you can put their food on a tray and place it outside their door for them to pick up.
If not, make sure you both have masks on when you come inside with their food. Sanitize thoroughly afterward.
Separate their utensils and laundry
If they can, let them wash their own dishes and utensils in their dedicated bathroom. If not, wash their dishes and utensils thoroughly with hot water and soap. You also have the option of having them use paper plates.
If they can, have them place their covered full laundry hampers outside their doors for you to pick up.
If not, make sure to wear a mask when picking it up inside the “sick room”. Do not touch your face when handling their things.
Help them stay comfortable and entertained
Being isolated can be lonely, so you need to support your loved one physically and emotionally.
Make sure they have books, a TV, a computer, paints, or anything they can use to pass the time.
Use technology to connect with others and stay updated on current Covid-19 news
Help your loved one get through their ordeal through frequent video calls, chats, and online games and activities.
This will help cheer them up and make them feel your presence. As a Covid-19 caregiver, you should also never hesitate to ask for help or moral support from your friends and family.
Because a stable connection will be crucial at this time, use apps that help you manage and monitor your data conveniently wherever and whenever you need to.
Download Smart’s GigaLife App to avail of great promos to stay updated and in touch.
After the 14-day quarantine
When someone tests positive for Covid, your local government unit is notified. After the 14-day mark, the LGU usually calls to check if your loved one meets certain criteria to be cleared of Covid-19.
If they and your household are cleared, do a thorough cleaning of the “sick room”, “sick bathroom”, and places your loved one stayed during isolation.
You can prepare these things – designating a “sick room”, having a stash of medicines, or laying your plan out to your household – even before anyone gets Covid.
This way, you can lessen your anxiety and be ready if the event ever occurs.
When the unexpected happens, stay calm and tread carefully. Visit Stay Smart for helpful tips.
We’re all in this together. Let’s #StaySafe and #StaySmart.
