Science Weblog: Planning for Coronavirus

Part 1

As if the situation wasn't scary enough already, memes like "anyone over age 60 is being left to die in Italy" is enough to give those of us over 60 the heebie-jeebies. The real situation (they may not be given aggressive care/intubated - https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1257852/Italy-coronavirus-intubating-elderly-pandemic-china-hospitals-Nadine-Dorries ) isn't terribly comforting.)

However...

(...you knew there had to be a 'however', right?) this doesn't mean we're helpless or doomed. When I saw that state governors were calling for retired medical staff to step up and help in the fight against coronavirus (allowing them to be re-licensed easily) it occurred to me that although we might not be trained medical personnel, we could learn some basic nursing skills and do some basic preparation (just in case) so that if any of the people we care about become really ill, we can do something more than just fetch a wet towel and wring our hands.

Right?

And if you don't need it now, the planning and setup will still be helpful the next time someone gets sick (or breaks a bone or has another problem.)

Let's get to work, then.

There should be three categories of things you need - A place, some supplies, and a bit of knowledge. This can be as elaborate (devoting a wing of your mansion to it and having your own servants) or as humble (a couch and a shoebox of first aid supplies) as you wish.

So... space.

It should be easy to get to (if things turn very serious and you need to get the patient to a hospital or EMS needs to transport them.)
It should be easy to clean.
It should allow some separation from others in the house. A separate room is ideal, but if you don't have that, look at making a couch or comfortable chair into a nursing station. If you're feeling whimsical, you can even make a pillow fort your nursing space: https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Pillow-Fort
It should be easy for the patient to eat and drink while nestled there (a small table nearby, access to entertainment (books, computer, phone, whatever)

These guidelines apply if you live by yourself -- if you need help, the place where you are resting should be easy to get at, easy to clean, and easy access to food and drink.

Make A Nursing Care Kit

You can use any convenient carry-all... a box, old purse, grocery bag, whatever. Put it in an easy to reach place. Fill it with

bandages/bandaids
analgesic and fever reliever of your choice
alcohol wipes (or cotton balls/pads with a bottle of alcohol or hydrogen peroxide)
Thermometer
Face masks (in case you or the person you're nursing has to go to a clinic)
note pad and pencil (pen ink can dry up at the worst of times. Mechanical pencil is a good choice) Make a record of when the illness started and what the symptoms are so you can discuss it more effectively with medical personnel.
cough medicine of your choice
Remedies for some common ailments (because if you get one of those, you really might not want to have to go to the drug store for them if you're feeling bad) -- anti-nausea pills, allergy medication, diuretic, stool softener, gentle laxative, sleep aid.
Optional: heating pad or ice pack (or reusable methods of heat and cold)
Very optional - a scent of your choice (I like lavender but not always.)

The idea here is to have things quickly available for general illness (as well as for the coronavirus.)

Thinking About Food

This will be personal choices, but in general you should have something like Pedialite or Gatorade or other drink that hydrates and provides some electrolytes. If you're not buying powder mixes, buy about two weeks' worth of drinks (something you like and something you will drink over the next 3 months... because these things don't keep forever.)

If you can drink them, consider buying some of the meal replacement shakes (particularly if you live alone.) Food delivery service may be difficult to find in some cases and it's good to be prepared.

Contacts

Whether or not you live alone, let others on social media know if you're ill.

SYMPTOM COMPARISON

In the interests of NOT spreading panic, here's a graphic that gives a breakdown to answer the question "do I have COVID-19?"