COVID-19: Tracy's Guide for Families

Q: What should I be aware of before I see a doctor or go to a hospital? 💁 Tracy:  If you have symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, call your doctors first. If you feel weak or difficult to speak or hear, ask relatives and friends to help you.  Please call your doctor's office or hospital ahead of time to make sure they are able to see you or admit you, especially if they are busy or over-capacity.    If your local hospital is unable to admit you, be sure to remain at home instead of going to different hospitals in a rush.  Q: Anything I need to pay attention on my way there? 💁 Tracy: Please wear a mask when you go outside the house. If you don't have one, cover your mouth and nose with tissue or scarf, etc.  Avoid public transportation. Try to call an ambulance or use a personal car for transportation. Open the windows while on the road.  If you need to cough, sneeze, or blow your nose, cover your mout...

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 paperw...

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 freq...

Q: What can I do if I am sick? 💁 Tracy:  If you have mild symptoms, such as  low-grade fever, mild dry cough and mild fatigue , don’t panic! It might be COVID-19 or just an ordinary cold! Considering the following to help yourself and protect other people around you. Check CDC's "Self Checker" on symptoms and guidance. Stay home and remain in self quarantine. Wear a mask if you have to interact with others in the family, and keep yourself separated from them. Call your doctor for medical advice. Get a test for COVID-19, if available, check your county's public health website to get the most updated testing instruction. If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, get medical attention immediately!   Emergency warning signs include*: •     Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath •     Persistent pain or pressure in the chest •     New confusion or inability to arouse Includi...