Family Member Infected with COVID-19? Know How to Share Home Without Getting Infected
Updated On Apr 23, 2021
In case you are looking after a family member at home who has Coronavirus or lives in a non-healthcare setting, follow the below-mentioned advice to safeguard yourself and others. Read on below to know what needs to be done in case someone gets diagnosed or has COVID-19 symptoms. The information mentioned below can also be followed at the time of taking care of individuals who are tested positive but depict asymptomatic symptoms.
How does the Virus Spread?
There are primarily two ways through which the COVID-19 virus spreads to other people:
- At the time, when an uninfected individual breathes in the droplets which contain infection is released. At the time, when an infected individual talk, breathes, coughs, or sneezes.
- At the time, when an uninfected individual touches the droplets contaminated surface and afterward touches their nose, mouth, food, or eyes. For an extended period of time, viral particles can remain infectious on the surface.
Providing Support Helps in Covering Primary Needs
Help the sick individual in abiding to the instruction provided by the doctor regarding medicine and care. For many individuals, symptoms of COVID-19 stay for some days, and later individuals start feeling better after a few weeks.
- Ensure that the sick individual drinks lots of fluids and takes proper rest.
- Take proper care of their pet(s) and limit the contact with the infected person whenever possible.
- Help the infected individual in filling prescriptions, grocery shopping, and other needed items. Get the shopping items delivered via delivery service.
- Look in case over-the-counter medicines for fever helps the individual is feeling better.
- Keep the phone number of the doctor handy.
- Immediately call the doctor in case the individual does not recover and keeps falling sick.
Ways to Protect Yourself
Highlighted below are some ways to protect yourself from contracting COVID-19:
- Limit Contact
Coronavirus spreads between individuals, who are in close proximity via the infected droplets, that are created when an individual talks, coughs, or sneezes. Staying in isolation prevents coronavirus from spreading further. A sick individual should isolate themselves from other members of the family. Also, make sure there is proper ventilation in the room.
- Caretakers Should Home Quarantine
Caretakers who have stayed in close proximity with a COVID-19 infected individual should home quarantine themselves in order to prevent the virus from spreading further.
- Do Not Share Personal Items
Avoid sharing personal belongings such as cups, glasses, dishes, beddings, towels, etc with an infected individual.
- Clean Your Hands Often
It is highly significant to wash your hands properly either with soap or a hand sanitizer more often. Do not touch your mouths, eyes, hands with hands that are not washed.
- Proper Cleaning and Disinfecting
It is important to clean and disinfect surfaces and items more often. Items such as doorknobs, tables, sinks, electronics, handles, toilets, etc. In case, the area or room is dirty, then clean it properly using a disinfectant.
- Use of Gloves
Make use of gloves while removing garbage, and while handling and disposing of the waste items. Do not forget to clean your hands properly with soap and water afterward.
- Track Your Health
At the time of taking care of a sick person, a caregiver should properly track and monitor their health for any symptoms of Coronavirus. Once the care is complete, caregivers should home quarantine themselves. Moreover, they can move out of their home after 14 days of their last contact with an infected individual.
Do Read
Also Check
Tips For Taking Care of Covid-19 Patients At Home
Things to Keep in Mind After Recovering From Covid-19
Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.
