COVID-19 and the Disability Community. What do we know and what do we do?
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COVID-19 and the Disability Community. What do we know and what do we do?
According to the CDC, individuals who are part of our Community who have severe chronic medical conditions seem to be at a higher risk for a more serious COVID-19 illness. Why? Because your body and immune system are compromised.
The one thing you must try to do as a person with a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 is reduce your exposure. The CDC recommends the following:
Stay at home as much as possible.
Ensure that you have several weeks of medications and essential supplies in case you need to stay home for a long period of time.
If you must go out of your house be aware and vigilant to identify people who are sick around you and stay away from them. By all means limit your close contact with them and WASH YOUR HANDS often.
Avoid crowds! Places like the Mall, movie theaters, sporting events etc. are not good ideas.
Stay in well ventilated areas.
Don’t travel unless absolutely necessary and stay up to date on CDC Travel Health Notices.
Have a plan in place in case you or people you count on get sick.
How long will the COVID-19 Outbreak Last?
No one knows! It is way too early. Keep up to date with what the CDC is saying. Creating a household plan can help protect you and the people in your household. Check out CDC's planning resources. Your plan should be geared around your daily routine as much as possible.
Everyday actions to prevent illness.
We all want COVID-19 to go away as quickly as possible. Regardless of your disability, you should follow CDC's recommendations to help prevent the spread of all respiratory diseases, including colds and flu and COVID-19. For example:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
See EPA's list of disinfectants that are effective against COVID-19 (March 3, 2020)
What does the CDC say about the wearing of Facemasks?
CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
For more information, see CDC’s Handwashing website
For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings
So What are COVID-19 Symptom?
Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. These symptoms are much like any other type of respiratory virus. If you do get them though, call you doctor and ask them if you should get tested.
Immediate Medical Attention is needed if you develop any of the following Emergency Symptoms.
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion or inability to arouse
Bluish lips or face
This list is not all inclusive. Consult your medical provider for any other symptom that is severe or concerning.
What to do if you do get Sick?
Stay at home and call you doctor.
Tell them that you believe you have symptoms of COVID-19.
If you are not sick enough to be hospitalized, it is OK, you can recover at home. Follow the CDC instructions for how to take care of yourself at home.
Get medical attention immediately if you have any of the emergency symptoms listed above.
Have a plan for if you get sick:
Consult with your health care provider for more information about monitoring your health for symptoms suggestive of COVID-19.
Stay in touch with others by phone or email. You may need to ask for help from friends, family, neighbors, community health workers, etc. if you become sick.
Determine who can provide you with care if your caregiver gets sick.
According to the CDC, it is not time on 3.6.20 to panic. Precautions and safety are the key here. Be aware, smart and vigilant.
We hope this article helps you. Stay healthy! We at disABLEDperson.com wish all in our Community good health!
Most of this information was taken off of the CDC website.