What if you or someone in your home gets COVID-19? Here's how to take care of yourself at home! (COVID-19 Home Care)

These days, everyone is talking about `(COVID-19)`. Maybe you or someone in your family has contracted this disease, or you may be a little afraid that you will get the disease. So, today we are going to talk about how we should take care of ourselves at home during such a time, and what we should do to prevent the disease from spreading to others. Don't worry, if we follow these things correctly, we can cope with this situation well.

What should we do at home?

If someone is sick – even if you are not sure if it is COVID-19 – it is very important that they stay away from others. This is to prevent the spread of the disease to others. People who have tested positive for COVID-19 should stay home for at least 5 days , and it is also essential to isolate themselves from other members of the household. Now let's look at what the sick person should do and what we should do to protect others in the household.

1. Stay away from other people and pets.

It's best to stay away from other people in your home and your beloved pets as much as possible. This can be a little difficult, especially if you have small children in the house. But remember, you're doing this to protect your loved ones.

Simply put, it is best for the sick person to confine themselves to one room as much as possible.

If you must go to a place where other people are, you should definitely wear a mask . This will greatly reduce the amount of virus-containing droplets in the air.

2. Wear masks properly.

As we've said before, a sick person should wear a face mask if they're going out in public. But there are a few things to keep in mind :

• Do not wear face masks on babies under two years old. They may have difficulty breathing .
• Do not put a mask on someone who is unable to remove it on their own (e.g., some disabled people, people who are unconscious).

In cases like this, the person taking care of them should wear a face mask and be very careful.

3. These things are a must when coughing and sneezing!

Keep a tissue handy to use when you cough or sneeze. When you're done using the tissue, close it tightly and throw it in the trash. Then , be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds .

• When washing your hands, don't forget to wash between your fingers, under your nails, and the back of your hands.
• If soap and water are not available, you can use an alcohol -based hand sanitizer. However, if your hands are dirty, hand sanitizer alone is not enough; it is best to wash them with soap.

4. If possible, a separate room and bathroom

We know that not every home has this facility. However, if possible, it is best to give the sick person a separate bedroom and bathroom . This will greatly reduce the spread of the virus to other common areas in the home. Imagine, if the virus is in a bathroom that everyone uses, the chances of others getting sick are high.

5. Let's separate the things we use.

Keep items such as plates, cups, glasses, cutlery, etc. used by the sick person completely separate from those used by others .

• After using them, wash them thoroughly with hot water and soap .
• If possible, it's also a good idea to wash it in a dishwasher, as it cleans at a higher temperature.
• Similarly, bed linens and towels should be kept separate . Do not share them with others or wash them together. Wear gloves if possible when washing the sick person's clothes and bed linens. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after washing.

What else should we pay attention to when a sick person is at home?

Not only the person who is sick, but everyone else in the household needs to be a little more careful during this time.

If a sick person cannot wear a mask...

Now imagine that a sick person cannot wear a mask at all (e.g. a small child, someone with breathing difficulties). In such a case, the person taking care of that person, the ``caregiver``, must wear a mask when in that room . This can protect them.

Keep the house well ventilated.

Make sure there is good ventilation inside the house, especially in areas where everyone gathers (like the living room and dining room).

• Keep the windows open whenever possible. This lets the old air out and the new air in.
• If you have an air filter, turn it on.
• If you use an air conditioner, set its settings correctly and, if possible, select the option called "fresh air intake".

This reduces the chance that the virus will remain in one place, in the same air.

Everyone in the house must wash their hands!

This cannot be overstated. It is very important for everyone in the household to wash their hands regularly and thoroughly .

• Before eating, before preparing food.
• After going to the bathroom.
• If you used your hand when coughing or sneezing.
• After going out and coming home.

At all times, as mentioned earlier, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. This habit can protect you from not only COVID-19, but also many other diseases.

When should we call a doctor?

While caring for someone at home, we should always be aware of their condition. If you feel that the person you are caring for is getting worse, do not delay and call a doctor immediately . Be sure to tell the doctor about their symptoms and whether they have been tested for COVID-19.

If you have to go to the doctor...

• A person who is sick must wear a face mask .
• Keep some tissue paper handy to use when coughing and sneezing.
• If possible, use your own vehicle or another safe method of transportation instead of using public transportation.

What to do in an emergency?

If you experience any of these symptoms, it should be considered an emergency :

• If you have difficulty breathing (feeling like you are suffocating, chest tightness).
• If there is a change in voice, slurred speech, or confusion.
• If you are very drowsy and difficult to wake up.
• If the lips or face turn blue.

If you see any of these symptoms, take them to a hospital immediately or call the Sri Lankan emergency number (e.g. 1990 Suriya Sariya Ambulance Service ) for advice.

What else do we need to know?

Another important thing is that if you are caring for someone who has COVID-19, or if you are caring for someone who has symptoms, inform others who have been in close contact with the sick person about this . Because it is important for them to also get a COVID-19 test and monitor their symptoms. We call this ``contact tracing''. This helps control the spread of the disease in the community. If you want to know more about this, you can see the guidelines on the websites of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Also, it is very important to follow the instructions given by the Ministry of Health and health authorities in your country . Because there may be specific instructions for each country.

What you need to remember from what we've talked about:

Okay, so keep these things in mind. Whether COVID-19 occurs or not, it is very important for all of us to be careful during this pandemic.

• Stay isolated: If sick, stay away from others.
• Face Mask: If you are going near other people, wear a face mask properly.
• Hand washing : Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap or use hand sanitizer.
• Ventilation: Keep the house well ventilated.
• Watch out for symptoms:If the condition worsens, call a doctor immediately. In an emergency, go to a hospital immediately.
• Inform others: Inform your close associates.

Remember, by following these simple steps, you are not only helping to protect yourself, but also your family, friends, and the entire community.

If we all act responsibly and understand this pandemic situation, we can control it quickly. Follow these instructions to protect yourself and your family. Wishing everyone good health! COVID-19, COVID-19, Home Care, Home Treatment, Symptoms, Prevention, Face Mask, Hand Washing