Homecare nursing in the wake of COVID-19.

WHATIS COVID-19?

Covid-19 is a new virus of the coronaviruses, a family of viruses that causes disease in animals. The virus has a death rate of 0.7% to 3.4% depending on the location and access to hospital care. although it has a low fatality rate it is still deadly.

This virus spreads very quickly from one person to the next through contact i.e shaking hands, hugging or being in close contact with someone who is already infected. Covid-19 presents flu0lke symptoms such as a fever, a runny and stuffy nose, tiredness, dry cough and a general feeling of being unwell. Pneumonia is also common among patients even if they are not severe cases.

It's also been seen that the virus can cause severe complications in older adults with underlying conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF.

1. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Do this if you've been in a public place or after you've sneezed, coughed or blown your nose.

2. In the case that water and soap are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

3. Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and face.

WHAT ABOUT RECEIVING HOMECARE TREATMENT.

With governments advising people to quarantine themselves during this time it would be safer and perhaps wiser to consider going into quarantine with your health provider. This not only ensures that you receive 24-hour care but it also ensures that there is a reduced risk of infection. it also provides a controlled environment for all parties concerned.

In the case that the home care nurse cannot be in quarantine with you for one reason or the other, then they should ensure the above mentioned sanitary guidelines. A hand sanitizer should always be accessible to you, your loved one and the home care provider.

It is also advisable to reduce the number of scheduled doctor's appointments. You could opt to have a home visit for your loved one or simply have one general appointment during this time.

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF INFECTION.

if you feel yourself developing symptoms of the virus, the first step would be to

1. Call your doctor. inform your home health provider or if they are not around contact your doctor.

2. Stay at home. Make sure you get lots of rest and avoid public places.

3. Avoid public transportation.

4. Self-isolate. Have a room designated for the infected person, where they away from other people in the house. If it is possible, use a separate bathroom.

5. If you have pets in your home, limit all forms of contact with them to avoid potential spread of the disease to the animals.

6. Wear a face mask when you are around other people and before entering a healthcare provider's office. If the sick person cannot wear a face mask for one reason or the other ensure he or she stays in a different room from the others. homecare givers should wear a face mask in this case and limit any other kind of visitation.

Ensure that all surfaces are cleaned and disinfected regularly. Avoid sharing personal and household items.

Be on the safe side and stock up on medical supplies and drugs whether over the counter or prescription drugs.

Have enough household items in the house to prepare you for when it is impossible to live the house.