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Notes From Nurse Becky's Office: COVID-19
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a short name for Conoravirus Disease 2019. It is a new virus that doctors have not seen before. Scientists and doctors are currently studying the virus and trying to find treatments and a vaccine.
What can I do so I don’t get COVID-19?
Wash Your Hands
- Wash with soap and water for 20 seconds (Sing the Happy Birthday song twice)
- Use friction, friction, friction!
- Don’t forget the backs of your hands, in between your fingers, fingertips and thumbs
- Wash hands after using the restroom, before eating, after coughing/sneezing/blowing your nose, after going outside
Avoid Touching Your Face
- COVID-19 is being spread through droplets that are expelled when coughing and/or sneezing
- Germs (viruses/bacteria) enter your body thru openings like eyes, nose and mouth
- Cover cough and/or sneezes. Cough/sneeze into a Kleenex, throw away the Kleenex, then wash hands
- If Kleenex is not available, cough/sneeze into your elbow
Disinfect Frequently Touched Surfaces
- Clean doorknobs, handles, stair railings, light switches with a disinfectant
Practice Social Distancing
- Stay 6 feet away from people who do not live with you
Stay Home!
- Do not go to friends’ houses
- Do not go to parks/playgrounds with friends
- Do not drive around with friends
Do I Have COVID-19?
- If you are experiencing a fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath, stay home and call your doctor
- Your doctor will give you instructions on what you should do
- If you do not have a doctor, you can call the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH
Why do I feel different? Why is my child acting different?
It’s normal to experience many different emotions during times of sudden change and uncertainty. You may be experiencing:
- Sadness and/or crying
- Excessive worry and/or fear
- Irritation and/or anger
- Difficulty concentrating
- Change in eating and/or sleeping habits
- Unexplained headaches, stomach aches and/or fatigue
What Can I Do To Feel Better?
- Take a break from watching and reading media coverage on COVID-19. Constantly thinking about the pandemic can make you anxious
- Exercise. Exercising elevates your mood, relieves stress, and increases focus
- Do something you enjoy. Listen to music, read a book, play a game, build a puzzle, draw or paint
- Give yourself time to relax. Take a bath, do yoga, meditate, do deep breathing exercises
- Get outside. Go for a walk, spend time in nature, go for a hike, or put your feet in the grass
- Connect with family and friends through Facetime, Snapchat and talking on the phone