As the United States reopens at various rates and stages I am frequently asked, “What can I do to protect myself?” As a provider this leaves me in a very frustrating position because we do not have a vaccine at this time and we are still learning new presentations and manifestations of this illness.
Here are 7 tips that I give to my patients that I thought I would share:
1. Hand washing: While I am a proponent of soap and water for 20 seconds, hand sanitizer (if you can find it) is better than nothing. Even as the restrictions for staying at home are lifted please remember the basic care is important. Hand washing is fundamental!
2. Wear your mask: As restrictions loosen, I continue to recommend that you wear your mask in large gatherings with others that you don’t know intimately. You cannot assume that everyone will be COVID-19 free. So protect yourself and your loved ones.
3. Avoid touching your face: I know it is so hard to do it after you have been asked not to do it. The eyes, nose, and mouth are entry routes for infectious organisms particularly COVID-19 which is spread as respiratory droplets. If you do touch your face just wash your hands and try again!
- Be selective and thoughtful: As states lift restrictions it is imperative that careful consideration is given to gatherings. I would advise anyone to avoid going out and congregating in areas where social distancing is not possible. I would recommend that as you resume your routine activities; such as going to the barber/hair stylist or even going to your healthcare appointments; inquire what policies and practices they are engaging in to promote social distancing.
5. Take care of your chronic medical conditions: If you don’t have any make sure you have seen a primary care provider (PCP) for your yearly checkup—if you suffer from chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma it’s important that you ensure that your chronic health disease are managed and under control.
6. If you feel ill STAY HOME: Very simple request but I know as a provider it is very hard to do. Having a strong work ethic I have the tendency to work and see patients even when I am ill. However, because this virus is new and we are still learning about how it presents. It is imperative for all of us to have a low index of suspicion when we feel ill and to stay home and quarantine–until we have more widely available testing options.
| 7. Stay informed through reputable sources: There is a ton of information on the internet and unfortunately a lot of it is not accurate. Be mindful where you are getting your information from. Please make sure it is from reputable sources. Just as you would vet your doctor, dentist, or any other health care provider please vet the information sources discussing COVID-19 recommendations. The spread of incorrect information is just if not more dangerous than the virus that we are fighting. |
