As we usually do, we recommend basic good health practices during this unusual time including:
- Prioritize good sleep.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Try to get some regular exercise or physical activity daily.
- Stay home whenever possible.
In addition, the following information from the CDC outlines important information regarding how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from the coronavirus:
Know How it Spreads
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person:
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- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about six feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Take Steps to Protect Yourself
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community.
This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Take Steps to Protect Others
Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- If you are sick: You should wear a face mask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.
If you are not able to wear a face mask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a face mask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
If you are NOT sick: Wear a cloth face cover when you have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities. You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick. Learn how to wear a cloth face mask.
Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks. If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
To disinfect:
Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.
Options include:
- Diluting your household bleach.
To make a bleach solution, mix 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water or 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
- Alcohol solutions.
Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol. - Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants.
Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).
We appreciate the efforts all of you are making in your lives to limit the spread of this deadly virus. These efforts, particularly the practice of social distancing, can make the difference in the health of Oregonians and our medical system’s ability to handle the many critically ill patients that may need care.
Contact Us – We’re Listening!
We are here for you at AIM both for your medical concerns as well as your mental health. Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time. We are here to help.
