Prevención

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.

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].

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.

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 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.

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