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Showing Original Post only (View all)Keep this information handy (practical tips for managing COVID-19 from an RN) [View all]
It seems legit and meshes with common sense.
Link to tweet
https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1237711448064884739.html
smashingteacups
Danielle. 30-something RN. Fic writer. Here for Outlander (read: Jamie and Claire)
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 350 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 😉
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Keep this information handy (practical tips for managing COVID-19 from an RN) [View all]
htuttle
Mar 2020
OP
I'm going to add with a post of my own tomorrow about pulmonary hygiene. Timely topic.
58Sunliner
Mar 2020
#1
Kicking to save your post in hopes that none of us need this excellent information.
Cracklin Charlie
Mar 2020
#12
Thank you. I would ad a digital thermometer to your list. 101 sick. 103 bad. 105 damage
Midnight Writer
Mar 2020
#19
Also another reminder that people with high blood pressure have had more complications.
flying_wahini
Mar 2020
#36
What's the purpose of a humidifier? I remember my dad had a vaporizer when he was sick.
C Moon
Mar 2020
#43