COVID-19: Tracy's Guide for Families

Q: A relative of mine has died from COVID-19. Normally, we would travel to the funeral to support the family. How can we support our family members who are grieving while maintaining safe social distancing? 💁 Tracy:  Many people have passed away in the COVID-19 pandemics, unfortunately. This means many more families are in grief. Every tradition has ceremonies to memorialize someone’s passing and help the family through the difficult time that follows. Social distancing has made such large gatherings difficult, but you can still help family members. Here are some suggestions: Talk to clergy about appropriate ways to offer support during the pandemic. Alternative forms may be adapted, for example, by sending food and gifts to the family. Call or use video technology to express your condolences. Participate in any service that is conducted via technology. Send notes, gifts, or flowers unless religious or health concerns prevent them.  Stay in contact with the famil...

Q: How do I know if I have a cold, flu or COVID-19? 💁 Tracy: A cold is usually accompanied by such symptoms such as nasal congestion, running nose, sneezing, and coughing. Very few people will have fever more than a week. A flu will most likely cause a fever that lasts for about a week and is often accompanied by whole-body symptoms, such as muscle soreness, fatigue, and headache. COVID-19 symptoms include fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, other digestive and neurological problems. Patients may also complain of such symptoms as nasal congestion, running nose, diarrhea, sneezing, sore throat, and headache. In mild cases of COVID-19, patients only have low fever, fatigue, dry cough, etc. without pneumonia symptoms. Pneumonia may start after one week of mild symptoms, that usually shows up with shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing, dizziness or change of skin color caused by low blood oxygenation level. COVID-19 symptoms normally last longer and more severe,...

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...