Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that could infect both humans and animals. The first human coronavirus popped up in the mid-1960s. To date, there are seven (7) coronaviruses that could infect people. It is believed that the newest (2019) coronavirus (a.k.a. COVID-19) was first detected in China in late December, 2019.

You may also hear the virus refferred to as “Novel Coronavirus” because:

• NOVEL = New

• CORONA = Crown (named for the crown-like spikes on the virus).

Other coronaviruses you may have heard of include:

• SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)

• MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome)

Where did COVID-19 come from?

The exact source is still unknown. However, experts and researchers are fairly certain the origin of the virus is from animals as both MERS and SARS originated in bats. Many of the first people to become sick from COVID-19 in 2019 and early 2020 lived in China. However, it is not proven that COVID-19 was created there.

Who is at risk for infection?

Older adults who have other medicatl conditions, such as obesity, heard disease, or lung disease continue to be at the highest risk of serious illness from an infection with COVID-19, but no one is immune.

The CDC esitmates that 38% of cases that require hospitlization are 20 to 44 years old.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19?

By now, everyone should know the big three symptoms of COVID-19:

• Fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

The CDC recently identified six more symptoms that may come with the disease:

• Chills

• Repeated shaking with chills

• Muscle pain

• Headache

• Sore throat

• New loss of taste or smell

The CDC also warns that it might be different for older adults.

Older adults may not have any of these recognizeable symptoms at all. As with many conditions (particularly infections), older adults don’t have the typical signs and symptoms. Here’s what doctors and nurses on the front lines have seen in older adults with COVID-19:

• Sleeping more than usual

• Loss of appetite

• Unusually fatigue

• Confused

• Loss of orientation

• Dizziness

• Increase in falls

What should you do if your client shows symptoms?

Contact an Alternative Home Care office employee right away. If a staff member is unreachable, contact your client’s respresentative. Either of the two need to contact a doctor as soon as possible.

What should you do if YOU show symptoms ?

Caregivers whoe have signs and symptoms of any respiratory infection should not report to work. Contact an Alternative Home Care staff member as soon as possible.

If you develop signs and symptoms while on-the-job:

• Immediately stop work, put on a face mask, and plan to self-isolate;

• Contact and Alternative Home Care supervisor to make arrangements for the client;

• Inform your supervisor of all individuals, equipment, and locations you came in contact with; and

• Contact and follow your local health department recommendations for next steps.

The CDC issued guidelines for esential workers, like caregivers for this exact situation. The CDC advises that you can continue to work following exposure to COVID-19, as long as you don’t have any symptoms and you follow a few extra precautions to keep clients and you community safe. You should:

• Check you temperature everyday, before and after work;

• Wear a face mask at all times;

• Maintain a social distance of at least 6 ft as duties permit, while at work;

• Clean & disinfect all areas and items you routinely touch while on the job;

• Routinely wash your hands or use an effective hand sanitizer.

CARING FOR A CLIENT WITH COVID-19

As the number of COVID-19 cases grows, home care and assisted living facilities will begin to see more clients who are confirmed to have the virus. In addition, you may be asked to care for someone who is showing symptoms, but not confirmed by testing.

How will you care for these people? Here are a few tips:

Provide symptom treatment:

• Encourage plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

• Urge the client to get plenty of rest.

• Some over-the-counter medicines may help with symptoms. As we are not authorized to administer medicine to our clients, only recommendations can be made but must be verified by a doctor and the client’s representative.

• For most people, symptoms last a few days and get better after a week.

Monitor for emergency warning signs:

• Difficulties breathing

• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

• New confusion or inability to arouse

• Bluish lips or face

Follow Isolation Precautions

Try to keep the person isolated in one room and away from other people as much as possible. If face masks are available, have the client wear a facemask when other people, including you, are in the room.

FOLLOW BOTH CONTACT & DROPLET PRECAUTIONS

For contact precautions:

• Wear gloves and a protective gown for all contact with the client.

• Refrain from touch common surfaces.

For droplet precautions:

• A mask, and if available, a face shield should be worn for all contact within three feet of the client.

• If available, use an N95 mask. If not available, use a surgical mask. Use a bandana, scarf, or homemade face covering as the last option.

CARING FOR A CLIENT WITH COVID-19 — CONT.

Anyone who is confirmed to have COVID-19, or is showing symptoms but remains well enough to stay home should be completely isolated from all other household members.

The CDC Recommends:

A Separate Bedroom & Bathroom

The person who is sick should stay separated from other people (as much as possible).

• If a separate bedroom & bathroom are available, use these to limit contact. Wear a mask, face shield, gown, and gloves to provide personal care and to clean the area around the person who is sick.

• Provide personal cleaning supplies to the person who is sick (if appropriate). Give tissues, paper towels, and cleaners (such as disinfectant sprays or wipes). If they are up for it, the person who is sick can clean their own space.

• If a separate bathroom is not available, the bathroom should be cleaned and disinfected after each use.

Eating & Cleanup After Meals

The person who is sick should eat (or be fed) in their separate bedroom.

• Deliver meals to the room without making contact, if possible. For example - a tray can be left on a table outside the door or next to the client.

• Always wear a mask, face shield, gown, and gloves if you must help feed the person who is sick.

• Wash dishes and utensils using gloves and hot water. Handle any used dishes, cups, or silverware with gloves. Wash with soap and hot water or in a dishwasher.

• Clean hands thoroughly after taking off gloves or handling used items.

Handling the Trash

The person who is sick should keep his or her trash separated from other trash in the home (as much as possible)

• Provide a dedicated trash can to the person who is sick. Place a disposable trash bag in the can.

• Use gloves when removing garbage from the room and carry the bag directly to an outside receptabcle if available.

• Remove gloves and immediately wash hands.

Caring for Pets

The CDC recently announced the first confirmed cases of COVID-19 in household pets.

How can you keep pets & people safe?

• Any person who has symptoms or a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 should restrict contact with pets. If possible, have another member of the family care for pets while the person is sick.

• Do not let pets interact with people or other animals outside the household.

• Petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked by a pet should be discouraged at this time.

• If the personwho is sick must care for the pet, remind them to wear protective gear and immediately wash hands after handling the pet.