Pandemic Planning for Your Family?

Coronavirus and Flu Help

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.

It’s currently flu and respiratory disease season and CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine, taking everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if prescribed.

The CDC is making bold statements about what we might expect if the coronavirus continues to spread around the world:

 

“Disruption to everyday life might be severe,” said Nancy Messonnier, director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.

As outbreaks pop up in areas beyond China, the CDC says cases are likely to spread here, as well.

“It's not so much of a question of if this will happen in this country anymore but a question of when this will happen,” Messonnier said.

“We are asking the American public to prepare for the expectation that this might be bad.”

Protection measures for everyone

Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

The coronavirus infections spread through the air by coughing and sneezing, or by close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands, or touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands.

Who will take care of mom or dad if you get sick?

Caring for a parent, sibling, spouse or loved one is no small feat. But what happens when the caregiver gets sick? Who can you call on for help? Health Force of Georgia caregivers offer relief by taking over the daily tasks you provide to an elder or another individual with disabilities – allowing you to take a much-needed time to recover. You can rest assured that your loved one is being cared for in the best of hands.

 How Can We Help You?

Taking care of yourself first leads to better caregiving for the one you love. Use the helpful information on this page to prepare for the coronavirus. Learn more about our compassionate health care services by calling 770-458-8500. Or, fill-out our convenient online form and schedule a FREE in-home care needs assessment by our Registered Nurse.

Helpful Website Links to Monitor the Coronavirus

The CDC established a COVID-19 Incident Management System on January 7, 2020 and activated its Emergency Operations Center January 21 to provide ongoing support to the COVID-19 response. Here are some links for you to follow the Coronavirus.

Johns Hopkins Center for Systems Science and Engineering real-time tracking of the worldwide spread of the coronavirus outbreak.

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Symptoms of the Coronavirus

Symptoms can show up anywhere from 2 to 14 days after exposure. Early on, they're a lot like the common cold. You might notice:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

There is a test for COVID-19. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for COVID-19. Medical care can help to relieve the symptoms.

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What You Can Do to Help Avoid a Pandemic

Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak with coronavirus links on this page.

  • Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
  • Maintain at least a three foot distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
    Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
  • Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance.

Temporary Help is Available When the Flu Strikes

Sometimes you need temporary help when you have an elderly parent that is living alone or have a sick child, or if the main caregiver in the family has come down with the flu/coronavirus -- or maybe the entire family is sick. The flu can spread rapidly through a family or school with little to no warning. You might suddenly need help with day to day activities such as housework, meal preparation or you might even need a skilled nurse to assess your medical needs. Health Force of Georgia is here to help.

Healthforce of Georgia serves Atlanta and surrounding 18 counties.


Our service area includes metro Atlanta, GA and 18 surrounding counties.


 


How Can a Caregiver from Health Force of Georgia Help with the Flu Epidemic or a Coronavirus Pandemic?

Health Force of Georgia has trained home health caregivers to assist you in these and other ways.

Health Force of Georgia provides skilled nursing care by highly trained Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses. Whether aiding recovery from the flu or a long-term chronic illness or even a short-term surgical procedure, our nursing staff stands ready to help patients return to their original well-being. We work closely with third-party insurers, doctors, and other healthcare providers to ensure coordination of care.  We've been serving families in Atlanta, GA and surrounding counties for 30+ years.

Give us a call. We can help.

Health Force of Georgia brings together the pieces of the health care puzzle.

Solving the Home Health Care Puzzle!