Seeing stories out of Europe

[snowybirdie]

that some medical professionals are saying older people will not be treated if things get worse. In the event this "brilliant" idea takes hold here, I thought I'd brush up on taking care of someone with a virus myself. Anyone here know a good site to pull up? I never had to care for anyone seriously ill, and need info. Thanks

[Amishman]

1. Focus on how to treat pneumonia

It is the most likely life threatening issue from this virus

And if this goes get fully out of hand, the elderly will not get treatment. The worse it gets, the lower the age cap will go

[durablend]

10. Those without the ability to pay will be "let go" too

Lest anyone think hospitals are going to eat the cost of treatment.

[htuttle]

2. There won't be treatment available for a lot of non-virus issues, either

Due to ERs and hospitals getting overwhelmed generally, you might want to brush up on things like basic first aid, making sure everyone in the household sticks to whatever dietary regimes keep them well, finding out what to do about a toothache if you can't see a dentist, etc.

Things that used to be mundane may become life threatening with no care available.

[OnDoutside]

3. They will have no choice but to choose those capable of the best outcomes.

That's where the US is.

[gibraltar72]

4. Think I read Italy has said over 60 not getting care.

[Amishman]

12. Yup, was 80 and has been dropping as they have been increasingly overwhelmed

[raccoon]

13. Jesus, I knew it was bad, but not that bad. nt

[Travel Hat]

5. Found this a few weeks ago.

I know we’re all tired of hearing/talking about it, but one thing I HAVEN’T really seen going around is advice for what happens if you DO get coronavirus (many of us will), only advice for how to try to AVOID it. So as your friendly neighborhood RN, a wee thread:

Things you should *actually* buy ahead of time (Erm, not sure what the obsession with toilet paper is?): Kleenex, Acetaminophen (Tylenol) in 325 mg tablets, Ibuprofen (Advil) in 200 mg tablets, Mucinex, Robitussin or DayQuil/NyQuil, whatever your cough medicine of choice is.

If you don’t have a humidifier, that would also be a good thing to get. (You can also just turn the shower on hot and sit in the bathroom breathing in the steam). Also a good time to make a big batch of your favorite soup to freeze and have on hand.

If you have a history of asthma and you have a prescription inhaler, make sure the one you have isn’t expired and refill it/get a new one if it is.

You basically just want to prepare as though you know you’re going to get a nasty respiratory bug like bronchitis or pneumonia. You just have the foresight to know it’s coming.

For symptom management, use the meds I mentioned. For a fever over 101, alternate Tylenol and Advil so you’re taking a dose of one or the other every 3 hours. Use both cough suppressants and expectorants (most cough meds have both). Drink a ton, hydrate hydrate. Rest lots.

You should not be leaving your house except to go to the doctor, and if you do, wear a mask (regular is fine, you don’t need an N95). You DO NOT NEED TO GO TO THE ER unless you are having trouble breathing or your fever is very high and unmanaged with meds.

90% of healthy adult cases thus far have been managed at home with basic rest/hydration/over-the-counter meds. We don’t want to clog the ERs unless you’re actually in distress. The hospital beds will be used for people who actively need oxygen/breathing treatments/IV fluids.

If you have a pre-existing lung condition (COPD, emphysema, lung cancer) or are on immunosuppressants, now is a great time to talk to your PCP or specialist about what they would like you to do if you get sick. They might have plans to get you admitted and bypass the ER entirely.

One major relief to you parents is that kids do VERY well with coronavirus— they usually bounce back in a few days, no one under 18 has died, and almost no kids have required hospitalization (unless they have a lung disease like CF). Just use pediatric dosing of the same meds.

I’m always around via DM if you have questions, and if I don’t have the answer I’ll just tell you to call your doctor. 😉 But feel free to contact me any time. 😘

Sorry, need an edit button! 325 mg tablets of Tylenol! 350 doesn’t exist 😉

[Travel Hat]

6. By the way, not my original post.

[snowybirdie]

7. Thanks

Pretty much what we did with the kids back in the day. But with hubby with copd, I do need to do some reading today. Gotta look at this as an adventure and a challenge to overcome!

[Mr. Ected]

8. Not sure about ibuprofen...I've read reports that its use is discouraged

Other than that, a great and sobering account that should be heeded.

[durablend]

11. That was debunked (for now)

Some "tweet" from "some French person" and they found no evidence it was the case right now.

Tylenol isn't healthy either.

[tavernier]

9. The latest advice re. liquids from Korean medical staff:

Hot as in teas and soups, warm or room temp as in water or juices. Nothing cold or iced.