What is “Do the Five?”
Have you heard or seen Google’s “Do the Five” promotion. It’s a public awareness campaign the company has posted on its home page in cooperation with the World Health Organization. The goal is to make people aware that the best way to avoid spreading coronavirus is by practicing five important things.
Home Care Services in Headland AL: Do the Five
#1 – Wash Your Hands Often
The most important thing is to wash your hands. Wash your hands for 20 seconds ensuring the soap gets between the fingers and under the fingernails. Scrub thoroughly for the full 20 seconds before rinsing in water that’s as hot as you can stand.
When it comes to how long COVID-19 lasts on surfaces, there is some uncertainty. The CDC says that the agency is learning new things about the disease regularly but to clean surfaces in your home each day. The U.S. Department of Health’s NIH says it can last on surfaces for several hours.
Keep washing hands or using hand sanitizer after you touch anything outside of your home, after you cough/sneeze or blow your nose, and constantly while preparing food. Moisturize if your skin’s getting dry.
#2 – Cough or Sneeze Into Your Elbow
If you have to cough or sneeze, turn your head and cough into your elbow. That helps keep the spray from a cough or sneeze from spreading. If you have a tissue nearby, use that and throw it out immediately after.
#3 – Don’t Touch Your Face
This one can be tough. If your nose is itching or you have dry skin or a skin condition like rosacea that makes your skin itchy, do not scratch or touch your face. If you absolutely cannot stand it and must, go wash your hands first and wash your hands after, too.
#4 – Keep Your Distance
While Google and WHO’s public health announcement says to stay more than three feet apart, the CDC recommends staying at least six feet apart. Keep your distance from others. If you’re taking a walk, cross the street if someone else is coming in your direction. In a store, keep that six-foot gap between you and other shoppers.
#5 – Stay Home if You Feel Sick
The symptoms of coronavirus are cough, fever, and shortness of breath. They can take anywhere from 2 to 14 days to appear after you’re exposed. If you have any of them or learn you were near someone who’s been diagnosed with COVID-19, stay at home. Do not go anywhere.
Call your doctor for advice. Seek medical treatment if your symptoms worsen to chest pain or pressure, a bluish tinge to the lips or face, confusion or difficulty staying awake, or difficulty breathing.
It’s important that your parents stay isolated at this time. That may mean staying away from them. If you can’t stop by, hire senior care services to check on them as often as is needed. Senior care aides can deliver groceries, pick up prescription refills, and make sure your parents are okay.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care Services in Headland, AL, please contact the caring staff at Wiregrass HomeCare today. Call us at 334-539-5900.