COVID-19: Tracy's Guide for Families

Q: When should I go to the Hospital? 💁 Tracy: The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include: Fever Dry cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Chills Repeated shaking with chills Muscle pain Headache Sore throat New loss of taste or smell If you experience these symptoms and not sure if you have a common cold or flu, please call your doctors and use CDC’s Self-Checker to see the guidance. Arrange a COVID-19 test if possible. But if you have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or recently been in the infected area of COVID-19, you should ask for the COVID-19 test as soon as possible. Whether test or not, quarantine is the first thing you should do . Stay home and separate from your family. Watch for these signs of an emergency when you are self-quarantine at home: Trouble breathing Persistent pain or pressure in the chest Confusion or inability to arouse Bluish lips or face 

Q: How do you disinfect takeout and deliveries? 💁 Tracy: Try to choose “no-touch” food and delivery services. Wait for the delivery person to leave before opening the door to get your package. The virus can survive on plastic and paper for three to four days, so the surface of  the packages and takeout containers should be wiped with disinfectant. Afterwards, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly. You can also wear disposable gloves when picking up the packages– discard the gloves and packaging when finished. For take-out food, put them in separate clean containers before bring them inside the house. Discard the package and take-out containers outside the house. Always disinfect food and drink before you eat, even if they have been cooked (see guide on how to disinfect food and drink). If you are required to provide a signature and have to interact with the delivery person within 6 feet, please wear a mask or cloth covering. Wash hands after you sign the paperwork.

Q: What should I do if someone is sick in my family? 💁 Tracy: If a member of your family has mild symptoms, such as low-grade fever, mild dry cough and mild fatigue, don’t panic ! Please refer to What can I do if I am sick to help the sick member. Here is what to do for the whole family, please refer to CDC's guideline here . The following are a few tips: l   Place the patient in a well-ventilated “isolation” room (see note). Note: Scientists are studying if and how COVID-19 spreads through central AC. Isolation room ideally should have its own window for air circulation and please avoid using central AC before conclusive recommendations are given by CDC. l   Assign one person in a good health to take care of the patient wearing personal protective equipment, such as respirator and gloves. l   Follow doctor’s instructions for medication(s) and care of the patient.   l   Everyone in the family should perform hand hygiene frequently.   l