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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