It’s been more than a year since COVID-19 shackled us and took countless lives. While we still rell under the shock of the second wave which is now hitting us in full swing, we’re bracing for heavy monsoons. While most metro cities would ensure that grocery and essential supplies are not affected, we cannot help but take it upon ourselves to ensure that we have everything we need to stay comfortable during the second round of lockdown. We also need to anticipate the need to be the caregiver for a covid positive friend/family member. How do we do basic patient care? Will the rainy season aggravate the spread of coronavirus? How do we ensure hygiene and safety at home? If these questions run through your mind, here are some tips to prepare for them.
Basic Patient Care
We’re sure that your family doctor or any available healthcare worker would be able to guide you on what you need to care for a covid positive individual at home. Warm clothing, a pulse oximeter, steamer, and basic fever medicines are some of the essentials. We recommend that you check with your physician to figure out any specific health concerns you may have. Now maybe a good time to check on your health insurance or even get one if you don’t have it already.
If possible, arrange a room in your house for a potential covid patient to isolate. Preferably a room with an attached restroom and plenty of ventilation. If you don’t have such a room, arrange backup accommodation for the non-covid person to move out to. Alternately, you can rent an extra bed+mattress from Guarented for the non covid folks to use until the positive individual(s) test negative. This is probably the most affordable option to ensure a comfortable home stay in a time where healthcare systems are overwhelmed. Make sure you mention your predicament when you place the order. Guarented will make sure that your order is delivered in a timely manner.
The Rains Are Here
Monsoon will begin shortly and we’re sure that you know that wet, damp conditions typically aggravate viral diseases and their spread. Now would be a good time to develop the habit of inhaling steam daily and to stick to warm drinks and food. If possible, take a day off and deep clean your entire house. If there’s any signs of mould/rot on your furniture, clear it out and dry all surfaces that can cause growth of moulds/fungi. Spores/particulate materials from mould or fungi can easily be inhaled from air and they have been known to cause devastating infections.
Seek Help
The last year and this one too have been exceptionally hard on us. If you’re reading this, we send you warm regards. If you’ve been away from human contact, we understand that you probably have a hard time. It is ok to feel disturbed. However, in addition to ensuring physical health, it is necessary to keep your mental health in check as well. Make sure that you reach out to people who you know are covid positive and probably video call your tribe frequently. Being part of a community has amazing benefits and now more than ever, people have to come together to get through these trying times.
Stay Home. Stay Safe.
You’ve probably heard this a million times already, but staying indoors is all the more necessary now that rains are on their way. The proverb ‘prevention is better than cure’ is your new motto. It is not easy to stick to the rules and guidelines, but remember, these rules are the only thing keeping you away from a fatal virus that could seriously harm you. So once again, stay home. Stay safe.