COVID-19: Tracy's Guide for Families

Q: What special precautions are recommended for the hearing-impaired and vision-impaired? 💁 Tracy:  Follow news and updates on the pandemic by using screen peek (for the vision-impaired), speech-to-text (for the hearing-impaired) and other technological means. Use public facilities and stores during special opening hours for people with disabilities. Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Stock up about 2 weeks’supply of necessities, such as food, cleaning supplies, and medicines. Reduce shopping trips and other such outside trips. Talk to your doctors about your special needs and your medication needs, and ask them about the changes needed. Plan for emergencies, in case your caretakers may not be able to come on a regular basis. Find other alternative caretakers if possible. In case you have any symptoms, contact your doctors and local healthcare facilities, and arrange for any needed transportation. 💁 Tracy’s travel advice for the hearing-impa...

Q: How to take care of patients with chronic diseases? 💁 Tracy: Patients with chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, chronic kidney diseases, cancers, and diabetes, etc, are at a higher risk of infection or develop severe symptoms. They should take extra precautions and minimize possible exposure to the virus as much as possible. In addition, they need to regularly monitor their blood pressure, blood sugar, heart rate, blood oxygenation level and other important indicators during their stay at home to observe changes in their health. Consult" What should I do if I am at greater risk for infection or if members of my household have this risk? " to learn about symptoms of COVID-19. In case of acute exacerbation of chronic illnesses or possible signs and symptoms of COVID-19, contact a doctor ASAP. Patients with hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases without contraindications ...

Q：What food do I need to store if I need to stay at home for a long time?  💁 Tracy: Carbohydrates, protein, and shelf-stable fruits and vegetables are mainly based on dairy products, drinking water, meal replacement powder, etc., as appropriate. Carbohydrates Flour (white or whole wheat) Rice or brow rice or glutinous rice Corn, millet, barley and other grains Red beans, mung beans, and other soy products Pasta or other dry noodles Instant oatmeal Popcorn Whole wheat crackers or bread  Instant noodles or instant rice noodles Frozen bread or dough  Protein Canned fish Canned chicken or turkey Frozen meat, e.g. Chicken, beef or seafood Marinated meat such as sausages (canned or vacuum-tight) Canned ham Frozen meat, such as chicken, beef or seafood nuts and seed product Dried soybeans, beans, nuts or peanut butter Protein powder or supplements Dairy products or similar drinks  Shelf-stable milk, soy milk, almond milk, cashew m...

Q: What are the guidelines for children wearing masks? 💁 Tracy: Children ages 2 and above may wear cloth masks covering the nose and mouth. (According to current CDC guidelines, medical masks and N-95 respirators should be reserved for medical personnel and other emergency personnel.) Children’s face masks need to be selected to fit their faces. Please pay attention to any signs of discomfort, like breathing difficulty, when masks are being worn by children. Masks may not suitable for babies and very young children, as wearing masks may increase their risk of getting choked or interfering with their breathing. If children are reluctant to wear masks because of discomfort in breathing, try to adjust the masks to make sure they fit them properly. Tracy's Toolbox for Children:  Face Masks Dedicated for Children Reference: [1]  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html#children [2]  https:...

Q: Should children play outside? 💁 Tracy： Social distancing is also recommended for children when they play outside with others. Pick a game or sport for children so it will be safer for them than team sports. They should not touch other people's pets or objects when playing outdoors. If someone is sick at home, try to maintain hygiene practices and social distancing even with children, and separate all personal items to minimize infection. Precautions on hand washing and disinfection of objects: Children's toys, books, tableware, and other personal items must be disinfected regularly. Wash with soap and running water would the safest option. If soap and water aren’t available, use hand gel containing at least 60% alcohol. Q: Do I still need to keep up with other vaccinations for my children? 💁 Tracy: Be sure to talk to your pediatricians to see how you can work out the best schedule for your child's vaccination needs. It...

Q: Should I still have routine obstetric examinations during the pandemic? 💁 Tracy: During the pandemic, expecting mothers may reduce the frequency of obstetric examinations under the guidance of their obstetricians. This is especially true if fetal movement is normal and you have no other underlying health conditions or abnormal pregnancy conditions during pandemic. Please talk to your doctors about how to best schedule your examinations and concerns of COVID-19 exposure. If you have pregnancy complications, please consult with your doctors how to address such conditions and your examinations. Make sure you wear masks correctly when you go to doctors' offices and hospitals, and follow protective measures according to your doctors' suggestions. If you have other abnormal signs or discomfort, please call your doctors right away. Your doctors may be able to make special arrangment for you to enter their offices and hospitals to minimize your exposure to othe...

Q: What steps should I take to decrease my risk of infection if I’m in a high-risk category? 💁 Tracy: If you are age 65 or above or are in a high-risk category, stay home and pay attention to signs of illness. Refer to our article “What should I do if I’m at a greater risk for infection or if members of my household have this risk?” to learn about symptoms. Have all members of your household stay home as well. The following steps may be helpful for you to stay home and stay safe: Use delivery services for groceries, medications, and other items you may need. Pay with a credit card when you order, so you do not have to come in physical contact with the delivery person. Leave an envelope containing any gratuity outside for them. Keep some canned and frozen goods at home, and extra medications on hand in case delivery orders are delayed. This ensures you have enough supplies and dietary needs at home. Have a friend or family member shop for you and leave the items...