General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsSeeing stories out of Europe
that some medical professionals are saying older people will not be treated if things get worse. In the event this "brilliant" idea takes hold here, I thought I'd brush up on taking care of someone with a virus myself. Anyone here know a good site to pull up? I never had to care for anyone seriously ill, and need info. Thanks
Amishman
(5,559 posts)It is the most likely life threatening issue from this virus
And if this goes get fully out of hand, the elderly will not get treatment. The worse it gets, the lower the age cap will go
durablend
(7,465 posts)Lest anyone think hospitals are going to eat the cost of treatment.
htuttle
(23,738 posts)Due to ERs and hospitals getting overwhelmed generally, you might want to brush up on things like basic first aid, making sure everyone in the household sticks to whatever dietary regimes keep them well, finding out what to do about a toothache if you can't see a dentist, etc.
Things that used to be mundane may become life threatening with no care available.
OnDoutside
(19,982 posts)That's where the US is.
gibraltar72
(7,513 posts)Amishman
(5,559 posts)raccoon
(31,127 posts)Travel Hat
(117 posts)I know were all tired of hearing/talking about it, but one thing I HAVENT really seen going around is advice for what happens if you DO get coronavirus (many of us will), only advice for how to try to AVOID it. So as your friendly neighborhood RN, a wee thread:
Things you should *actually* buy ahead of time (Erm, not sure what the obsession with toilet paper is?): Kleenex, Acetaminophen (Tylenol) in 325 mg tablets, Ibuprofen (Advil) in 200 mg tablets, Mucinex, Robitussin or DayQuil/NyQuil, whatever your cough medicine of choice is.
If you dont have a humidifier, that would also be a good thing to get. (You can also just turn the shower on hot and sit in the bathroom breathing in the steam). Also a good time to make a big batch of your favorite soup to freeze and have on hand.
If you have a history of asthma and you have a prescription inhaler, make sure the one you have isnt expired and refill it/get a new one if it is.
You basically just want to prepare as though you know youre going to get a nasty respiratory bug like bronchitis or pneumonia. You just have the foresight to know its coming.
For symptom management, use the meds I mentioned. For a fever over 101, alternate Tylenol and Advil so youre taking a dose of one or the other every 3 hours. Use both cough suppressants and expectorants (most cough meds have both). Drink a ton, hydrate hydrate. Rest lots.
You should not be leaving your house except to go to the doctor, and if you do, wear a mask (regular is fine, you dont need an N95). You DO NOT NEED TO GO TO THE ER unless you are having trouble breathing or your fever is very high and unmanaged with meds.
90% of healthy adult cases thus far have been managed at home with basic rest/hydration/over-the-counter meds. We dont want to clog the ERs unless youre actually in distress. The hospital beds will be used for people who actively need oxygen/breathing treatments/IV fluids.
If you have a pre-existing lung condition (COPD, emphysema, lung cancer) or are on immunosuppressants, now is a great time to talk to your PCP or specialist about what they would like you to do if you get sick. They might have plans to get you admitted and bypass the ER entirely.
One major relief to you parents is that kids do VERY well with coronavirus they usually bounce back in a few days, no one under 18 has died, and almost no kids have required hospitalization (unless they have a lung disease like CF). Just use pediatric dosing of the same meds.
Im always around via DM if you have questions, and if I dont have the answer Ill just tell you to call your doctor. 😉 But feel free to contact me any time. 😘
Sorry, need an edit button! 325 mg tablets of Tylenol! 350 doesnt exist 😉
Travel Hat
(117 posts)snowybirdie
(5,241 posts)Pretty much what we did with the kids back in the day. But with hubby with copd, I do need to do some reading today. Gotta look at this as an adventure and a challenge to overcome!
Mr. Ected
(9,672 posts)Other than that, a great and sobering account that should be heeded.
durablend
(7,465 posts)Some "tweet" from "some French person" and they found no evidence it was the case right now.
Tylenol isn't healthy either.
tavernier
(12,410 posts)Hot as in teas and soups, warm or room temp as in water or juices. Nothing cold or iced.