How To Fight Coronavirus At Home

Last week, I broke down all the latest and most relevant information on Covid 19. This week I want to discuss how to handle this virus (or any virus) at home.

After I scheduled last week's blog, we went shopping for puppy food. It's normally busy at Costco where we get our puppy food, but today was different. It wasn't just busy, it was packed solid.

As we were going in, we saw people with carts full of bottled water and bleach. When we reached the entrance, a Costco employee was wiping down each cart. That was new.

While I was there I decided to stock up on some alcohol since I use it regularly for cleaning my granite counter tops and now for regular disinfection. They were out. My Costco is never out of stuff. It put me on the defensive that a common product had been snatched off the shelves and was now on back order.

Things were getting serious--and I live in a relatively outlying area. When I got home I scanned the headlines and learned that the first US case of Covid 19 had died. That had to be the reason for the panic run.

We're in good shape stock-wise. Since I don't live close to shopping I always keep a backup of stuff anyway. This got me to thinking about everyone else, people who are used to running down to the store whenever they needed something.

When a panic like this starts--and it makes no difference if it's Covid 19 or a natural disaster--panics are panics. People scramble to grab everything they can.

If you're not already prepared, here's my checklist in case of emergency.

If Covid 19 has been diagnosed in your immediate community, order online or shop for these items now. If you or your home has been placed under quarantine you're going to need to be self sufficient for at least 14 days.

For sanitation:

• Alcohol 70% or higher
  
• Bleach
  
• Hydrogen Peroxide 4.25% or higher
  
• Purell hand sanitizer
  
• Soap
  
• Toilet paper and tissues
  
• Face masks: You'll be hard pressed to find the good ones anymore. Buy whatever you can find in case you are the one sick. You don't want to spread your germs. See my previous post about masks and disinfectants.
  
• Safety glasses
  
• Latex, nitrile or neoprene gloves
  
• Fever Thermometer
  
• Trash bags (Aside from its regular use, use it as clothing protector when caring for a sick person in your home.)

Food:

• Make sure you have enough food for at least fourteen days, more if you think your area is prone to panic runs or your area is put under quarantine.
  
• Buy comfort food. This includes sweets, or if you're diabetic, safe sweets.
  
• Stock up on ready-to-eat meals like canned soups (or make your own). You'll want to have some comfort food that will be easy on the throat and stomach.
  
• Juice, water, tea, and coffee
  
• Baby food (if necessary)
  
• Pet food (if necessary)
  
• Honey and garlic

Medications:

• If you take medications, make sure all of your prescriptions have been refilled so you don't have to run out in the middle of an epidemic.
  
• Stock up on cold and flu medicine. Covid 19 is a virus. All you can do is treat the symptoms. Like the common cold, there is no cure.
  
• Throat lozenges
  
• Humidifier
  
• Aspirin, Ibuprofen
  
• Vitamin supplements
  
• Echinacea
  
• Elderberry syrup or capsules (preventative for flu and colds)

Your immune system

Here's the thing about viruses. It won't fight fair, so while it might visit everyone in a room, it'll do the most harm to the elderly and those with weaker immune systems.

• The best way to improve your immune system is to improve your health habits.
  
• Get plenty of fresh air.
  
• Exercise: Even a little walking will improve your cardiovascular system. Remember, Covid 19 attacks the lungs.
  
• Vitamins: If you don't eat your vitamins with fresh fruit and vegetables, supplement them. Vitamins C, A, D3, and E are good for improving immunity.

If you're already infected
In a worst case scenario, I trust the CDC has already been in contact and is acting on your behalf.

If you only suspect infection with a virus (not necessarily Covid 19) it's time to amp your proactive measures.

• Important:  Stay hydrated
  
• Stay home from work. You'll just infect those who come in contact with you. Plus it'll lower your immunity even more.
  
• Continue to take your vitamins, particularly Vitamins C and E.
  
• Add Zinc and Selenium to your regimen
  
• Take Turmeric
  
• Eat more garlic in your food
  
• Homemade chicken soup is a huge help for congestion.
  
• Take hot showers.
  
• Take a spoonful of honey for sore throat.
  
• Sleep

Viruses are nasty buggers. They're bullies that gang up on the weak ones. All you can do is treat the symptoms.

Your Tribe
Aside from your family, your tribe can also include neighbors and friends.

Check on the elderly. Whether they're neighbors or your mom a thousand miles away, call, text, or physically check on the less mobile to make sure they're safe. If you suspect they're ill, make the call and get them examined.

If you are sick:

• If you're the head cook and bottle washer and you fall victim, have enough supplies on hand so that whoever is taking care of you doesn't have to do anything other than clean or open a jar
  
• Now is the time to make some freezer food like meatloaf, sausage and peppers, pizza, stews, and soups. If you're sick or too tired to cook after caring for others, pull out a pre-made  meal from the freezer.
   
• Stay in bed (with the door closed) and stay hydrated. Do not prepare food for others while you're sick.
  
• Stay away from family pets. Much as they are a comfort, you don't want to inadvertently pass the virus to their fur before they move on to the next family member.
  
• One thing hubby mentioned to me is the central air and heat. Air is recirculated in most houses. We have an excellent filter on our systems, but it doesn't stop viruses. If possible don't run your whole house system if someone is sick.
  
  Depending on your central system, you can buy filters that trap viruses, but it'll need to be changed more often than your regular filter. Look for the model of the size you use that specifically says it's rated for viruses.

In the meantime, work hard to stay safe.

• Wash your hands or disinfect every time you touch something in public use. This includes all buttons, menus, phones, toilet levers, door knobs, grocery carts--and even groceries. You don't know how many people touched those things before you.
  
• Disinfect your home regularly, especially things that are touched often like remote controls, door knobs, light switches, counter tops, faucets, keyboards, mice, and all electronic equipment.
  
• Avoid crowds, especially in confined spaces.
  
• Avoid cruises and planes
  
• Stay away from anyone who looks sick.
  
• If you go out, disinfect your hands before you get back in the car.
  
• Don't touch your mouth, nose, and eyes. 

Mental Health
Should you be forced into quarantine or you're just staying away from the crowds for a while, be prepared for finding ways to entertain yourself and your family. Boredom (especially when you're not sick) can be mind numbing, so if you're stuck at home, have a game plan for staying occupied.

• Have some board games ready
  
• Buy a deck of cards
  
• Read, Write, Knit, or Garden
  
• Finish that home project you've been putting off
  
• Binge-watch your favorite shows.
   
• If you have kids, use the downtime for teachable projects. Teach them to cook or clean properly. Give them jobs and responsibilities so they know they're part of the solution.

I was never prouder than when I found out my very young nieces jumped into action after their grandma had taken a fall. They got her off the floor, iced her injury, and checked her for cuts and swelling within minutes after her accident. Grandma was there taking care of them, but they ended up taking care of grandma.

Count on the kids and keep them informed. They're smarter than you know.

If your area has had few cases, or hasn't been hit with Covid 19 at all, it's up to each of us to stop the virus in its tracks. Giving it fewer chances to spread is a good way to start.

Don't overreact. Just be smart while you're out and about, and keep washing those hands.

Links I Like

Make your own hand sanitizer. Super easy.

Make your own bleach wipes.

When and How to Wash Your Hands.

What's it been like by you? I've gone out recently to three stores, and they were all completely out of hand sanitizer and wipes. People aren't taking chances either. No one gets near each other, and if someone coughs or sneezes, everyone looks up to see where it came from.

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