Life with Chronic Conditions: What if I get Covid?

Before launching into what to do if you have a chronic condition and become infected with Covid-19, please consider the following:

Mask Up: The newest data supports that using a cloth mask not only prevents your germs from spreading to others, but it also provides some protection to you. In the hot weather, it’s hard to wear a cloth mask for long periods of time. However, many places, including Walmart, have surgical type masks for sale, that makes it easier to breath but still provides protection. These can be reused. If you go to the doctor’s office or hospital, they are now providing masks so save them for re use. The Today show has an article that simplifies how to care for your mask so you can re-use it.

Distance: Physically distance by at least 6 feet.

Outdoor Visits: Yes we all want to see our family, friends etc. Plan to do so outside and six feet apart. Fresh air makes a difference.

Wash Hands & Don’t Touch Your Face: Do so frequently, For at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren't available.

Cough into your elbow

Exercise: Staying physically fit helps you if you have to fight off an illness. Walking just 30 minutes a day will make a difference.

Stop smoking: Smoking can create significant problems if you should contract Covid. Check out specific smoking cessation programs from your state. These are free and can make a big difference in your ability to stop smoking.

Do not skip or change medications without talking to your provider

Reduce your risk of exposure:

• Use telehealth to reduce visits to doctor’s office when possible

• Make sure you have sufficient medications on hand. Look into home delivery or mail options.

• Shop when fewer people are in stores

• Avoid large crowds and keep interactions as brief as possible.

Know the symptoms: Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Fatigue

• Muscle or body aches

• Headache

• New loss of taste or smell

• Sore throat

• Congestion or runny nose

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Younger people with less severe COVID-19 might develop painful, itchy lesions on their hands and feet that resemble chilblains, an inflammatory skin condition. Sometimes called COVID toes, this symptom typically lasts about 12 days. COVID-19 also has been reported to cause small, itchy blisters, more commonly appearing before other symptoms and lasting about 10 days. Others might develop hives or a rash with flat and raised lesions. These skin changes might last a week, appear at the same time as other symptoms and are associated with more severe infections.

• Eye problems. COVID-19 might cause eye problems such as enlarged, red blood vessels, swollen eyelids, excessive watering and increased discharge. The infection also might cause light sensitivity and irritation. These symptoms are more common in people with severe infections.

Contact your medical provider if you are having any of these symptoms.

If you experience any of the following seek emergency help immediately. If you are going to your local emergency room, call ahead:

• Trouble breathing

• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

• New confusion

• Inability to wake or stay awake

• Bluish lips or face

Get a test: Each state does it differently, so check regularly to see how your state is handling testing.

In spite of your best efforts IF YOU GET INFECTED, be your own advocate:

• Contact your medical provider: Let them know you tested positive, if they are unaware you’ve been tested. Ask about how to monitor your situation or if there is something you need to do.

• Participate in home monitoring programs being offered by some medical centers and health departments. Some health departments are using Apps, such as Sara Alert. This is a good tool and can rapidly identify if you need immediate assistance. If this is not available in your area, consider making yourself a “home kit” similar to what Geisinger Medical Center distributes to patients who they think are most at risk.

-       Pulse oximeter (will most likely need to order this on-line)

-       Digital thermometer

-       Acetaminophen-pain reliever

• Using a pulse oximeter: One of the problems associated with Covid is that some patients start rapidly losing oxygen and are unaware of it until they are very sick. A pulse oximeter is a small clip like device that attaches to a finger, toe or earlobe. It’s painless and is noninvasive. It measures the oxygen levels in your blood and can rapidly detect even small changes.

It’s important to know what your normal levels are. Discuss with your medical provider at what point you should contact them if your levels start dropping. The general recommendation is if you drop below 90% contact your medical provider immediately for further directions. In some places, oxygen can be supplied to the home and in others, they may recommend that you proceed to an ER. 

Talking to your provider throughout is key.

• Monitor yourself: If a home monitoring program is not available in your area, work out with your medical provider how often you should be taking your temperature and using a pulse oximeter. You can also download and follow the daily monitoring log being used by Virginia.

• If symptoms are mild and can be managed at home, continue to self-isolate  and continue to take medications for your chronic condition, unless your provider advises otherwise.

• If symptoms increase contact your medical provider

• If severe symptoms occur, such as difficulty breathing, difficulty talking etc., call 911 and go directly to your nearest ER.