Covid-19 Preparing for what if and reducing stress

Time to reduce stress

It is hard not to think about coronavirus. News about it is everywhere. I am just like many of you trying to get practical information to decrease the chances of getting sick and if I or a loved one get sick with the virus how can I care for myself or someone else to survive. Being a senior citizen this is critical to know what are the challenges.
Below I share links to Mayo, CDC, Harvard Medical and My local state. These sites have good information we need to fight this virus.







According to the CDC, the symptoms are in serious cases:

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all-inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning

Harvard lists:

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Some people infected with the virus have no symptoms. When the virus does cause symptoms, common ones include low-grade fever, body aches, coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat. However, COVID-19 can occasionally cause more severe symptoms like high fever, severe cough, and shortness of breath, which often indicates pneumonia.

Right now any symptoms you experience contact your health care provider. Whether at home or treated in a hospital that will be between you and your healthcare provider. Keep in mind I am just like you. I am not a doctor and I don't plan to diagnose or treat my self. If I get symptoms I am going to call my doctor. 

According to Mayo clinic care at home will be managing the symptoms like we do with the flu. 

Currently, no antiviral medication is recommended to treat COVID-19. Treatment is directed at relieving symptoms and may include:

• Pain relievers (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
• Cough syrup or medication
• Rest
• Fluid intake

Learning how to treat the virus may help in preventing it from getting serious. But if we get more serious symptoms then again call your healthcare provider.
Mayo had very good information to lower your stress over the coverage of the virus which in turn helps you better fight the virus. Since the media lives off this crisis like a shark in the water, limit yourself from their hyping things up.  Reducing time spent helping their ratings to activities you enjoy will reduce news stress.
Covid-19 is more serious than the flu, but we can fight it and give ourselves the best chance to get through this. Keep walking
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20479976
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html
coronavirus-resource-center
http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus