Is someone sick at home and you need to provide first aid care? Is someone sick with COVID-19 and you have no idea how to treat that? There are some cases when first aid matters. It is also important to read up on how to care for patients with COVID-19.
The coronavirus disease is no joke. No one knows for sure who is infected until they’ve got the virus and the transmission proves to be very fast. If you’re caring for one who has the virus or if you’re caring for yourself, there would be questions. Perhaps you’re thinking of calling the HVAC repairman to have your air-con checked if it will keep you comfortable.
Then you start asking questions about the spread of disease and whether people are infected by the germs in your home. Here are some more things you should know about caring for people at home during the time of the pandemic.
Treatment at Home
The COVID-19 virus is flu-like in its symptoms and if it is mild, it can be completely healed at home. The treatment for this is to relieve the flu-like symptoms of the virus. First aid requires you to help the infected with fluids and pain medication since most of what they’ll be dealing with looks like and feels like flu,
If you’re taking care of someone at an advanced age, you should consider bringing them to the physician. During the pandemic, what you can do is to schedule an online appointment with their doctor. It’s best for a specialist to look into helping these people before the symptoms become worse.
Monitor for Warning Signs
Like any other infectious disease, the COVID-19 virus may be too dangerous if left alone. If you see any signs of worsening symptoms on your loved ones or if you feel them, you should go see the doctor.
At the very least, consider bringing yourself to the nearest hospital. The doctors there might recommend you use a home pulse oximeter, a device that measures the oxygen levels of a person. This is a requirement for those suffering from the virus, as it can also lead to difficulty or shortness in breathing.
In case hospitalization is needed (a reading below 92%), you should call in with your doctor and get an appointment. Call 911 or any local emergency numbers in your area. This should be done as soon as possible to avoid the condition worsening.
What to Do When You’re Ill
If you come down with a significant illness, then that’s going to be a problem. You should protect people in your home from you or you should also help your relative isolate. Some good tips are:
- Staying in isolation at home unless you’re going to be treated.
- Avoid sharing any spaces in your home as much as possible. Limit your movements to avoid other people bumping into you.
- Clean any surfaces in your home that you come into contact with. Doorknobs, light switches, and counters should be disinfected as much as possible every time.
Make Sure Someone’s Available
When there is a first-aid emergency, there might not be enough people to keep everyone covered. Make sure that your relatives or you are covered or shadowed by someone during the pandemic. In hospitals, you should make sure that there is enough personnel available.
If there are fewer people, it should be easier to keep a cover on everyone. It should also be safer to operate, given that there are not many people coming in and out of the place. Keep an open eye for any emergencies.
Get Help from Others
If you’re a little short on personnel, you can ask for help from other establishments. At home, if you cannot cover everyone, at least have another relative over. Be sure to check them for any signs of the virus as well before having them cover people for first-aid emergencies.
You should let these people know the type of illness that they’re dealing with. Have them know where the emergency supplies are and what to do in case an emergency should arise. During the pandemic, it’s important that everyone should be ready to answer any emergency.
During the pandemic, it’s also difficult to cope with the stress of caring or giving first aid to a suffering loved one. Make sure to take care of yourself or your relatives by connecting with each other. First-aid is only effective if it’s not such a drastic illness; if it is, know that health professionals are always better than first responders.