Prevention
Who Is At Risk
People who are at most risk for severe illness are older adults or those who have chronic health conditions, such as
- Lung disease
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- A weakened immune system *Insert details about the importance of young people taking this seriously, as even though they may recover quickly, there is a chance they can spread it to those that are at severe risk.
Reduce The Risk [This Section Is Taken From Montefiore.Org]
For yourself and for others, take the following easy to follow precautions:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing/sneezing
- Refrain from touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
- Stay home from work or school if you feel unwell
- Vaccines have the potential to prevent or treat a wide range of infectious diseases, make sure that everyone in your house (including yourself) has received the flu shot to stay healthy and safe
- The benefit of wearing facemasks is not proven and they are not recommended as a preventive measure.
- Insert statement about the importance of “Shelter in Place” and following guidelines and protocol set in place by local leaders. *Insert a statement about a vaccine for COVID-19 (i.eCurrently, there is not a vaccine available for COVID-19, however, medical experts and researchers are [insert details here about clinical trials, research, studies, etc. and hyperlink to relevant details].
If COVID-19 is Spreading Throughout Your Community [this section below is taken directly from the CDC]
Take extra measures to put distance between yourself and other people to further reduce your risk of being exposed to this new virus.
- Stay home as much as possible.
- Consider ways of getting food brought to your house through family, social, or commercial networks If a COVID-19 outbreak happens in your community, it could last for a long time. (An outbreak is when a large number of people suddenly get sick.) Depending on how severe the outbreak is, public health officials may recommend community actions to reduce people’s risk of being exposed to COVID-19. These actions can slow the spread and reduce the impact of disease.
Planning [Taken Directly From Cdc]
- Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand in case there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community and you need to stay home for a prolonged period of time.
- If you cannot get extra medications, consider using mail-order for medications.
- Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home.
- Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a period of time.
Community Support For Older Adults [taken directly from CDC]
- Community preparedness planning for COVID-19 should include older adults and people with disabilities, and the organizations that support them in their communities, to ensure their needs are taken into consideration.
- Many of these individuals live in the community, and many depend on services and supports provided in their homes or in the community to maintain their health and independence.
- Long-term care facilities should be vigilant to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19. Information for long-term care facilities can be found here.
Family And Caregiver Support [taken directly from CDC]
- Know what medications your loved one is taking and see if you can help them have extra on hand.
- Monitor food and other medical supplies (oxygen, incontinence, dialysis, wound care) needed and create a back-up plan.
- Stock up on non-perishable food to have on hand in your home to minimize trips to stores.
- If you care for a loved one living in a care facility, monitor the situation, ask about the health of the other residents frequently and know the protocol if there is an outbreak