We are committed to the health and well-being of our clients, caregivers, and community.
Naturally, as the reports about the spread and danger of COVID-19 continue to stream across our news media, we have become alert to the need for action. In light of this, as the leading providers of home health care in Boca Raton and surrounding areas, we have taken steps to educate and protect our clients, caregivers, and community about the importance of proper hand washing and respiratory precautions.
We distributed to each of our clients and caregivers gift bags containing informational and practical items to assist with the preparation for the the spread of the coronavirus. By maintaining vigilance regarding personal precautions, we can help each other to limit the expansion of this illness.
The following information is a helpful summary from www.coronavirus.gov.
CORONAVIRUS SYMPTOMS
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and most typically include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
If you develop symptoms…if you have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19…OR if you have recently traveled from an area with widespread community COVID-19, Call your healthcare professional.
HOW CORONAVIRUS SPREADS
Current understanding about how the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads is largely based on what is known about similar viruses. COVID-19 is a new disease and there is more to learn about…
Person-To-Person – The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person…
- between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet)…
- By respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes…(These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs…
Contact with infected surfaces or objects –
- It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes…
Although this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, as a general guideline for good personal hygiene, keep your hands away from your own mouth, nose, and eyes!
NOTE: Can Someone Spread The Virus Without Being Sick?
- People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic
- Some spread may occur before people show symptoms–and while there have been reports of this, it is not thought to be the primary way this virus spreads.
PREVENTION
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. CDC recommends simple preventive actions to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases…
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- SOCIAL DISTANCING: This virus needs carriers–if we stay inside and refrain from social interaction, we will deprive the virus of the carriers it needs to stay alive! Do not go into public places or gather with other people unless it is absolutely necessary!
- Cover cough or sneeze with a tissue, throw the tissue in the trash, and wash hands!
- Clean/disinfect frequently touched objects/surfaces using a household spray/wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (sing Happy Birthday through twice and that should do it), especially after going to the bathroom…before eating…and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
TREATMENT
Although there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19, pharmaceutical companies round the globe are working on finding an effective vaccine. People with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms.
Anyone who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Together we can limit the spread of this virus. Be aware. Be vigilant. Be healthy.
Contact us today to learn how we can help with home health care services in Boca Raton or the surrounding areas.