We’re all hearing about it. And whether or not we want to believe it, there have been confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in Montgomery County. We know that there have been school closings, news reports, etc. This has resulted in many people stocking up on cleaning supplies so much so that you’ve probably already seen the empty aisle in your grocery store. I also just found out Amazon.com is OUT OF wipes!
But guys, let’s take a step back!
I am not a doctor but the credible resources below remind us to continue practicing good hygiene as we always should.
We encourage you to visit credible sources and educate yourselves on the subject. We began our research with information provided by Stanford.
We always want to practice good hygiene practices and the following provides a collaborative and evidence based list from Stanford and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Thank you to Stanford and the CDC for providing this information and making it shareable to the public!
How can I help protect myself?
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. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
* Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
* Stay home when you are sick.
* Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
* Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
* Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask. CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
* Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
What do I do now?
Have a conversation with your family. Even if your kids haven’t said anything, we know they’ve heard about it. Share this with your kiddos. Reinforce hygiene habits such as some mentioned below. Make a “clean kit” for your kids (maybe multiples that can be left in their backpack, car, etc) that includes items such as face/hand wipes, sanitizer, baby wipes, and perhaps a small notebook and pencil where they can release some of their fears.
Our community response to the coronavirus, while proactive, has created some serious anxiety for our kiddos. While we want them to be aware and practice habits to keep themselves (and others) safe, we don’t want this to become an obsession that begins to affect other areas of their lives and functioning.
If you notice that the anxiety from the proactive actions in our community is causing struggle in your kids’ or your own ability to function, let us help you help them learn coping skills and more to deal with this anxiety. Contact us for a FREE 30 minute consult. We offer phone and video consults and sessions.
Read our practice’s COVID-19 client memo here.
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