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Coronavirus: How to Be Prepared

Prepare your mind first. Panic mode is tempting, but most likely you and your family don’t have this, so take a deep breath. There’s still a lot you can do.

Start with the basics. This is not a drill, but behavior change takes practice.

• Strict hand washing before meals, to a 20-sec tune like the ABC’s.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects like door knobs, light switches, handrails. Be sure to sanitize your child’s coats, backpacks, lunchboxes, etc.
• Sneeze or cough into your elbow, not your hands. If using tissue, be sure to wash your hands after you throw the tissue away.

• Developing a little “fresh station” when walking into the house, with a place for dirty items like keys and phones, alcohol swabs/wipes for cleaning them, and hand sanitizer.
• DON’T touch your face.
• DON’T travel if you have a fever and cough.
• Avoid unnecessary public exposure, sadly this means canceling some plans.
• If you or anyone in your family feels sick, call your primary care doctor.

School’s closed. Now what? With school/daycare closures, parenting anxiety will be at an all-time high. Here’s how you can keep yourself and your children sane and safe:

• Keep the same routine. Serve breakfast, lunch, and snacks on your child’s school schedule. That includes bedtime too!
• Use online learning tools. Coolmath.com, kids.nationalgeographic.com, sharemylesson.com, and learninggamesforkids.com.
• Get some exercise. Turn your radio on and host a dance competition! If the weather is nice, go for a walk around your block or visit your local playground. Be sure to carry your hand sanitizer!
• Pack your patience. This is a very unusual time for children and adults alike. Be sure to use positive coping skills like deep breathing, getting a good night’s rest, and avoiding possible stressors like the news or social media.
  Sources: CDC.gov. Created 3/13/2020 in partnership with Detroit Riverview Pediatrics and Emani Jacobs, LMSW.

  Questions and Answers About Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

  1. Question: What are the common symptoms?
     Answer: Cough with difficulty breathing and shortness of breath, fever with temperature of 100.4 (if talking to health provider please let them know if this fever was checked or patient just feels warm.), sore throat that persistently is getting worse, gastric-there are some people who have experienced vomiting and loose stools.
  2. Question: How is it spread?
     Answer: From respiratory droplets. Spreads from cough and sneezing person to person. Children and Adults.
  3. Question: Who is at high risk?
     Answer: Those at highest risk are people 65 years or older. Also, keep in mind: infants that are premature, asthmatics, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and Immunodeficiency (because of organ transplants, chemotherapy, HIV, chronic liver or kidney disease and sickle cell disease).
  4. Question: How do I protect myself and family?
     Answer: Wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that has 60% alcohol, especial before cooking and eating. Keep your hands away from your face. Don’t share personal items. Use good cough etiquette (cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow). Practice social distancing of 6 feet from other people and do not shake hands. When home, wipe “high touch” areas (door knobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, phones and handrails with a disinfectant a couple of times per day.)
  5. Question. What if I come in contact with a sick person?
     Answer. At this point in time of the disease process, we can only assume people you come in contact with could have the virus. However, do not panic. Please do not run to your doctor’s office, urgent care or emergency room. Take a deep breath. 1. Do you feel sick and what are your symptoms (see question #1). 2. If you have these symptoms take Tylenol for the fever or discomfort. Drink a lot of fluids. For children not too much juice because it can cause loose stools. 3. If symptoms are progressing especially if there is increased difficulty in breathing such as shortness of breath or chest pain, please call your primary care doctor for further guidance.

  If you want more information you can go on line:
  CDC.gov/Coronavirus or Michigan.gov/Coronavirus

  To contact us for health concerns about your child call the office 313-821-3777. If it is after business hours call the same number and leave a message (call not returned if message is not left). The on call physician: Dr. Treece or Dr. Mosby will return your call.

  Reviewed 3-20-2020/GMM