Covid 19 – Preventing the spread

If you are sick

If you are sick with covid-19 or you are experiencing symptoms commonly associated with covid-19, take the following steps to preventing or minimizing the spread of covid-19.

Stay home unless you’re in need of medical attention

• Stay home – Most people with covid-19 experience mild illness and will recover at home without the need for medical attention. Stay home, only leave your home if you feel you need medical attention. Do not visit public areas or use public transportation.
• Stay in touch with your primary care provider. Inform your primary care provider of illness prior to visits. If you are in need of immediate medical attention seek help at the nearest emergency department. Please wear mask and inform health care professional of symptoms.

home isolation

• Stay away from others: As much as possible, stay away from other members of your family during this time. You should stay in a specific room in your house if possible and use a separate bathroom if available.

For questions on pets, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/animals.html

Wearing a mask

• It is recommended that everyone ages 2 years and up wear a mask in indoor public places.
• In general, you do not have to wear a mask in outdoor places. We recommend you wear a mask if you are in a crowded outdoor place or gathering.
• It is required to wear a mask on plains, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation.

For more information on mask please visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html

Protect yourself and others

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. If you do not have tissue available, use the bend of your elbow to minimize spread.
• Wash your hands: wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is specially important after blowing your nose, coughing or Sneezing, going to the bathroom and before eating or preparing food.
• Hand sanitizer. If soap and water is not available. We recommend using a 60% alcohol based hand sanitizer. Make sure to cover all areas of your hand and rub until dry.
• Avoid sharing house hold items. Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels or bedding with family members if you have covid-19. Make sure to clean all items thoroughly with soap and water.
• Clean commonly touched surfaces and all surfaces in the room of isolated person.
• Clean and disinfect areas that may have blood, stools, or body fluids on them.

Most EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective. Please see a full list of EPA approved disinfectants at: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2

Knowing your symptoms

Symptom presentation may vary from person to person. More common symptoms of covid-19 include but are not limited to fever and cough. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing is a more serious symptom and you should get medical attention.

• If you are having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention. Call your primary care provider or emergency room and inform them of your symptoms. They will provide instructions on what to do. Please follow all instructions provided by your care team.

If you develop emergency warning signs of covid 19 get medical attention immediately. Call 911 if you or a family member have a medical emergency. The following are some examples of medical emergencies.

• Severe trouble breathing
• Persistant pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Blushing lips of face

If you have a medical emergency call 911 immediately. Notify operator that you or family member have or think you have COVID-19. If possible, wear a face mask before medical help arrives.

Remember to always follow the guidance of your healthcare provider and local health departments.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your healthcare provider.

For more information please see the following links:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/disposition-in-home-patients.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus

As always, we are here to help! At NewEraHH (NEHH), we aim to provide education and make information easily accessible to our patients, families and communities. This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your primary care provider.

Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly educational content, health care related topics and events.