COVID-19: Tracy's Guide for Families

Q: What are some common strategies for disinfecting at home? 💁 Tracy: Make washing your hands frequently a habit. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (sing the Happy Birthday song two times). You should be washing your hands at least 10 times a day-- especially after using the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. If your hands are noticeably dirty, always wash your hands with soap and water. If possible, use disposable gloves when disinfecting and cleaning On a daily basis, use ordinary household cleaners and water to clean surfaces and objects that are easily contaminated--especially if they are often in contact with various household members--such as tables, countertops, light switches, door handles, cabinet handles, faucets, toilet flushes, toilet paper dispensers, toilet seats, shower heads, buttons on electronic devices...

Contributors Project Lead Project Director: Gene Chang Scientific Review: Helen Shih Public Outreach: Lily Chen Editorial Board  Jingyi Xi, Ruan Jian, Helen Shih, Qian Yang, Gene Chang, Bian Lei, Debbie Vilardi, Li Siyi Writers  Jingyi Xi, Vicki Cheng, Yuehan Wu, Alice Cai, Yingde Zhu，Qingda Lu, Ning Wang, Li Siyi, Wang Xinkai, Debbie Vilardi, Tian Gengze, Chen Zhe, Li Chunyang, Yan Li Translators Adelynne Chang, Alice Cai, Helen Shih, Xiaoming Dong, Chaoyu Xie, Vicki Cheng, Fang Fei (Vivian Fei), Er Yu, Peter Hu, Sharon Chang, Fred F. Guo Illustrators Henry Yuanheng Hu, PotterW, Jiehuan Liu, Mengmeng Zhang, Sun Liu, Yvonne Xia, Lu Ke Medical Consultants Helen Shih, Suzhen Jiang, Xiao Luo, Paul Li, Ouyang Li, Shan Chen, Fred F. Guo, Jie Chen Publishing and Distribution Team Joey Yang-Li, Fan Xiao, Elaine Gao, Sun Liu, Sean Yin, Changran Huo, Guoqiong Song Community Outreach and PR Team Lily Chen, Steven Pei, Joey Yang-Li, ...

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...