Empowering and protecting your family during the COVID-19 pandemic
Dr. David Price, Weill Cornell Medical Center New York, March 22, 2020
Here is a link to the video:
Video is about 57 minutes and is definitely worth the time...
However, here are the key messages:
COVID 19 is in your community
How do you get this infection?
You get it from sustained contact with someone who has the infection or someone who is about to have symptoms from it in the next 1-2 days. The primary way it is transmitted is from contact with this person and then touching your face.
So, how do you not get it?
1. Know your hands are clean at all times by washing them (for 20 seconds with soap and water) or using hand sanitizer.
- Don't touch surfaces with your hands, if you are able. Use a pen for an elevator button or your elbow, back or foot to push a door open. If you need to touch a doorknob, etc. use hand sanitizer after touching it, and ...
2. Don't touch your face - this is easier said than done.
- You can practice this by wearing a mask.
3. You don't need a N95 mask or a medical mask in the general population
4. Distance yourself from other people; stay 3-6 feet away from them
- You have to shrink your social circle. Find your isolation group of 4 people (your family).
- The people who are going to get this are maintaining large social circles.
What do you do if you get this disease?
If you develop a fever and you otherwise are fine - you should separate from your family by isolating yourself in room at home (if you are able) and (if you are able) use a separate bathroom. The point is to not have sustained contact with the person in your home that has this disease.
You can start interacting with your family more as you feel better, but put on a mask, wash your hands, and use a disinfectant to clean areas where you sat / spent time.
- If you have a vulnerable population person in your family, you should find another living situation for that family member. They need to be completely isolated from the person that is sick.
- If you are pregnant, please notify your doctor / health care provider to make a plan for your prenatal care.
When do you go to the hospital?
If you are feeling short of breath, you should go to the hospital / emergency room.
