Stronger Together: Preparing the Family for COVID-19

The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today. These words from H. Jackson Brown, Jr., the author of the bestselling book Life's Little Instruction Book, encapsulate the ideal approach to the unique situation that we are all facing.

We can don masks over our faces, avoid large crowds, and follow the minimum health protocols imposed by the government. This article written by a prominent health expert in the Philippines offers sage advice on dealing with the pandemic. However, because of the unpredictable nature of COVID-19, we should come up with a plan to deal if ever the unthinkable happens.

We can lessen our anxiety by formulating a certain plan for dealing with an uncertain situation.

Here are a few tips distilled from the recommendations set by the World Health Organization and the Department of Health in the Philippines.

A Space To Call Their Own

If loved ones happen to show symptoms of the virus, the best thing to do is to give them a space to isolate themselves. According to the World Health Organization, COVID-19 spreads between people through respiratory droplets released during a sneeze, cough, or a lively conversation. Thus, it is recommended to set aside a separate room where they rest and recover.

Applying this safety precaution lessens the possibility of having other people in the house from getting sick. However, if there is no extra space to be spared, consider improving your home's ventilation so that the virus need not prolong its existence inside the living space.

Isolated, But Never Alone

Once you can secure a safe space for your loved ones, stay vigilant by monitoring their condition. Here are a few things to remember:

• Make sure they are drinking enough fluids.
• Make sure they are getting enough rest and sleep.
• Always stock an ample amount of essential groceries for them
• Prepare the prescription medicines they usually take.

Aside from their physical needs, don't forget to share words of comfort. Being isolated shouldn't mean being alone. Listen to their fears. Share your top picks on Netflix. Remind them that they are stronger than any virus and that they too will eventually triumph. As a family, it is trying times like this one that strengthens the bonds of kinship.

A Shared Responsibility

While your loved one recovers, it is best to keep everyone in the household within the confines of the home. Staying home lessens the possibility of spreading the virus if you or your family members caught the disease but are asymptomatic (which means that you show no signs of being sick, but you tested positive for the virus).

Instead of going out to buy supplies and medicine, consider shopping for essentials online. You can get vitamins and supplements from reputable stores like MyPharma and have those products delivered right to your doorstep.

Aside from avoiding trips outside, proper sanitation and hygiene are a must. This commitment to cleanliness means washing your hands often and disinfecting surfaces that are frequently touched in the day (think of door knobs, tabletops, and light switches). In addition, wearing masks inside the house, especially when caring for your loved ones in isolation, is vital in stopping the spread.

Honesty is a vital characteristic to uphold, especially during a pandemic. Being honest and transparent enables you to keep everyone safe.

You should also notify the people who've come into contact with your recuperating loved ones regarding their situation. Sharing this information will help keep others safe. Further, informing them about possible exposure to the virus will enable them to take the necessary precautions.

This Too Shall Pass

The virus wreaks havoc not only on our physical state but also on our mental well-being. While waiting for the symptoms to subside, it is easy to focus on adverse outcomes and visualize the worst-case scenarios. After all, the updates we see on social media and reports from the news all show the dangers.

In challenging times such as this one, we must be brave. When fear prepares to strike our hearts, we must defeat them with the strength of our resolve. We should find solace in the fact that good doctors, scientists, and policymakers both inside and outside our nation are doing their best to rid us of this virus. And that we should heed the favor that they ask us in return for their efforts — Stay home, save lives.

As long as we are doing our part by taking care of ourselves and our family, this challenging period will soon pass. With enough rest and care, your loved ones afflicted with the disease will eventually get better. When the symptoms stop manifesting, and the confirmatory tests show negative results, the time for isolation will be over. Once that happens, you'll rest easy knowing that the preparations you made in the past have paid off in the present.