As of today, the Florida Department of Health is reporting 21, 367 confirmed cases of coronavirus across the state.
“As the virus continues to spread, it is essential to know how to effectively handle it, if it is contracted by someone in your home,” says Dustyn Shroff, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent homeowners insurance company.
If you live with someone who is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, your worry is not only for them, but yourself and other family members.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports if you are only experiencing mild symptoms, you should recover at home. Mild symptoms include, aches, chills, fatigue, fever, dry cough, sore throat, running nose and diarrhea. However, if you are an older adult with an underlying medical condition you are at higher risk for developing serious complications from the COVID-19 illness and should seek care as soon as symptoms start.
More severe symptoms where medical attention is needed includes, trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or the ability to arouse and bluish lips or face.
If someone in your family contracts COVID-19, the CDC has the following guidelines to keep you and others in your household safe, while caring for the ill.
- Have the person stay in one room, away from other people, including yourself, as much as possible.
- If possible, have them use a separate bathroom.
- Avoid sharing personal household items, like dishes, towels, and bedding
- Have them wear a cloth face covering (that covers their nose and mouth) when they are around people, including you.
- It the sick person can’t wear a cloth face covering, you should wear one while in the same room with them.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after interacting with the sick person. 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.
- Every day, clean all surfaces that are touched often, like counters, tabletops, and doorknobs
- Wash laundry thoroughly.
- If laundry is soiled, wear disposable gloves and keep the soiled items away from your body while laundering. Wash your hands immediately after removing gloves.
- Avoid having any unnecessary visitors.
While there is no medication available for COVID-19, sick people should stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. Over-the-counter medicines may help ease symptoms.
“Remaining calm and as stress free a possible, benefits you and everyone in your home,” says Dustyn Shroff, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent homeowners insurance company.
People can come out of isolation when at least seven days have passed since symptoms first appeared. Also, it has been at least three days without a fever without the use of medications and respiratory symptoms are improving.
GreatFlorida Insurance is here for you. If you have questions about homeowners insurance contact us today.
