Living with Asthma: Protecting Yourself from COVID-19
Living with Asthma: Protecting Yourself from COVID-19
Living with asthma can be challenging, especially during a pandemic like the coronavirus (COVID-19). If you are worried about contracting the virus from young family members, it's crucial to take preventive measures and consult with a healthcare professional for tailored advice. This article will guide you on how to protect yourself while living with a family member who may unknowingly carry the virus.
Practical Measures to Protect Yourself
Protecting yourself from the coronavirus involves a combination of preventive measures, including wearing masks, frequent handwashing, and maintaining physical distance. These simple yet effective steps can significantly reduce your risk of contracting the virus.
Keep Distance, Mask, and Wash Hands Often
To minimize the risk of infection, it's essential to maintain physical distance from others, wear masks when in close proximity, and wash your hands frequently. Regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, can help remove germs from your hands.
Self-Isolate at Home: A Room for You
The best advice for those in your situation is to become the sole occupant of a room in your house and essentially self-quarantine there. While you may occasionally need to leave the room, treat the entire house and its occupants with the same social distancing and protective measures recommended for grocery store visits. This includes using masks, wearing gloves, and frequently cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.
Additional Tips for Self-Isolation
Additionally, speak with your healthcare provider about any specific advice they may have for managing asthma during the pandemic. They can provide guidance on how to adjust your medication or management strategies to cope with the additional stress of self-isolation. Here are some practical steps to consider:
Wear a mask at all times. Encourage frequent handwashing among family members. Regularly disinfect surfaces in your living space. Limit contact with family members as much as possible. Use lots of disinfection cleaners and hand gel to keep your home safe. Wear gloves when you are out.Conclusion
Living with asthma during the coronavirus pandemic requires extra vigilance and preventive measures. By following recommended guidelines and staying in close communication with your healthcare provider, you can reduce your risk of infection and maintain your health. Remember, panic is not productive and can worsen asthma symptoms. Stay informed, stay safe, and take care of yourself.