Failure to reduce the spread of coronavirus at a family level can tear apart the lives of millions. Due to the close proximity and sharing of household items, if one family member contracts COVID-19, the rest of the members are also very likely to get infected. We must, therefore, find ways to limit exposure, especially to the most vulnerable members of the family. Here are some tips to keep your family members safe as the virus continues to spread:
Following Health Guidelines
The first step to protecting your family from the virus is by following guidelines by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you protect yourself from the virus, you’ll stop it from coming home with you in the first place. Anytime you’re out in public, you’re required to keep a social distance, which is at least two metres (six feet) or about two arms length, from other people. Do not gather in groups and avoid crowded places. Washing your hands regularly after visiting public places is also part of the recommendations. Wearing masks and avoiding touching your face are all measures put in place to curb the spread of the virus. The best way to protect your family members from the virus is to avoid being infected.
For Health Care Professionals
We celebrate all the frontline workers who are helping day and night to fight this deadly virus. If you’re a frontline worker, you come into contact with this virus daily, which also means you’re more exposed. Most health workers report worrying about bringing the virus home. For your peace of mind, and so you don’t have to worry about infecting your family members, you can self-isolate at home, as well as continue to monitor your health closely, and get tested regularly. Here are more tips for health workers on how to keep their family members safe.
When a Family Member Suspects They are Sick
Any family members showing COVID-19 symptoms should get tested immediately and in the meantime, self-isolate. If coughing and sneezing, they should use a tissue and throw it away right after use. Afterwards, it’s important they wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Since surfaces also cause a spread of the virus, infected family members should use separate eating utensils form the rest of the household.
Members of the Family at a Higher Risk
Although people of all ages can be infected with the COVID-19 virus, there’s a group of people who are at a higher risk of experiencing severity of the disease. People who are immune-compromised because of diseases such as HIV or AIDs, cancer, organ transplantation, and other immune weakening conditionings are at a higher risk. People with pre-existing conditions like hypertension and diabetes are also more vulnerable.
Also, senior citizens generally have weaker immune symptoms and are considered to be in the high-risk bracket. If you’re living with loved ones in this category, you need to exercise extra caution. Anyone in those categories should stay indoors as other family members restock household essentials.
According to the CDC, people living in a long-term facility are at a higher risk of contracting the virus. If you have a senior loved one who needs special care during this season, it’s better to have a stay-in support worker who is specifically assigned to care for your loved one. At Partners for home, we offer private home care in Winnipeg services for people with various needs.
