Combating COVID-19 is a team effort that starts at an individual level. Here are a few simple ways to help flatten the curve and stay healthy, amidst this uncertainty.

How to avoid getting sick

Eat well, drink water, exercise and sleep consistently — these basic habits have been and always will be key to physical wellbeing.

Avoid public spaces. See our blog post on social distancing for more on this and don’t be selfish!

Use free time to call or FaceTime loved ones. And stay calm — quarantine is a perfect opportunity to try meditation with family. Mental health is every bit as important as physical.

• On social distancing and proper hygiene during this outbreak, from the World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
• From Claudia Allen, University of Virginia’s School of Medicine, about self-care and emotional wellness – https://news.virginia.edu/content/how-protect-your-mental-health-during-quarantine

Symptoms of COVID-19

COVID-19 tends to be characterized by fever, cough, chest pains or difficulty breathing. Its symptoms are flu-like and generally appear about 5-7 days after infection.

Severe cases can lead to a form of pneumonia and are especially dangerous for older adults with chronic medical conditions like heart/lung disease or diabetes.

With milder symptoms that could be attributed to allergies, take daily histamine to check whether they’ll subside. In all other cases, call a local healthcare provider for guidance. 

• A concise resource from the CDC on COVID-19 symptoms – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fabout%2Fsymptoms.html

U Chicago on sore throats, fever, body aches and other common symptoms that usually accompany the Coronavirus  – https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/prevention-and-screening-articles/wuhan-coronavirus

What to do if you or your child may be sick

First, call a doctor or pediatrician for advice. Clinics and hospitals are experiencing high demand right now, they can’t accommodate too many walk-ins.

To prevent the virus from spreading within a household, separate affected family members and avoid sharing personal items. Spend some extra time cleaning doorknobs, countertops, keyboards and other frequently touched surfaces as well.

Those that have tested positive should wear a facemask, though research suggests that healthy family members have no need.

• Facemasks, self-quarantine, extra cleaning and other tips for families directly affected by COVID-19 from HealthyChildren.org – https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/2019-Novel-Coronavirus.aspx
• Harvard Medical School on necessary precautions while caring for a loved one with COVID-19 – https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/coronavirus-resource-center#Caregivers

How to help stop the spread

It can help to think about self-quarantine in this way: staying home saves lives. While COVID-19 can feel overwhelming, anyone is able to contribute by restricting unnecessary human contact and encouraging others to do the same.

Social distancing is critical. Aim to stay 6+ feet away from others when public interactions are absolutely necessary. Though many have already been canceled, avoid crowded events, gatherings and venues. And yes, frequent handwashing helps too.

• Streamlit with mathematical support for consistent handwashing – https://flattenthecurve.herokuapp.com/?ref=producthunt
• More from the CDC with best practices for cleaning, self-quarantine and other measures to help flatten the curve – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.htmlDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fabout%2Fprevention.html