What you can do to take care of you & yours
WITH NHS 111 bombarded and the news that critical care services could be overwhelmed if the coronavirus takes hold here, no one could be blamed for getting anxious.
But hang on! There’s a lot you can do for yourself, your family and elderly relatives.
Yes, the NHS and doctors do have to work flat-out but we have to take some responsibility to safeguard ourselves.
Plus, I’ve always found putting an action plan in place lowers the worry level. So here are some suggestions:
■ They say an Englishman’s home is his castle. Well, now it has to be his refuge so stay at home whenever you can.
■ Be on the lookout for flu symptoms (sore throat, cough, fever, sore muscles). If you develop them, self-quarantine and inform your doctor. Don’t go to hospital.
■ Make a list of all your contacts.
■ Stay in frequent touch with elderly relatives. Draw up a family rota to visit them regularly and make sure they are taking their medicines.
■ Take some hand sanitizer with you when you go out.
■ Avoid touching hard surfaces.
■ Don’t shake hands, hug or air-kiss.
■ Your GP will have made plans to handle this outbreak so make sure you know them. If necessary, go to the surgery personally and find out what they are.
■ If you really need NHS 111 and it’s busy, take turns as a family to hang on.
■ Shortness of breath and a spiking fever are the two clear reasons for seeking immediate medical help, that is phoning for an ambulance. But for most people the infection will be mild.