Coronavirus is all we are hearing about these days. And rightfully so, as it’s scary business. Each day it gets more worrisome and consuming. The news is full of scary updates and headlines. As a mother, I’m very concerned about my kids contracting Coronavirus. I’m concerned my husband could get it. That I will get it. That my parents and family members will get it. And the nugget of information that’s missing from the news right now is someone saying “Hey, it’s totally ok if you are freaking your freak right now.” Because a lot of people sure are! That’s why I’m here! I’m going to give you some tips on how to prepare for coronavirus WHILE remaining calm. Because all you can really do is watch, be responsible, be smart, prepare, and remain calm.
Disclaimer
Before we go ANY further, let me make a giant DISCLAIMER. I’m NOT a doctor or any kind of medical professional. Any facts I’m quoting come directly from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Do not take any of my advice as medical advice and certainly seek out the advice of your doctor if you believe you or a loved one has Coronavirus. CALL YOUR DOCTOR.
My Level Of Concern
I’m a giant ball of concern at this point, which I find to be an appropriate amount. Just like everyone else, I’m worried. Of course. But I also recognize we can’t all walk around being this scared and tense all the time. I’m not saying there isn’t cause for alarm. There certainly is. BUT there are ways to prepare yourself and your family to help you feel some better. I’ve done these things and I have to say, they really did help me calm down.
News Cycles
Turn it OFF
First things first. Turn OFF the news. Immediately. Certainly don’t keep it on all day in the background so you can hear every doctor and reporter weigh in on their opinions on this virus. That just keeps your panic on a slow simmer all day long. Don’t do it. Listen once or twice a day or look at the news websites once or twice a day. Then walk away and live your life.
Sensationalized News
Try to keep in mind that while the networks like CNN, FoxNews, BBC, MSNBC are definitely reputable news sources, they are also fighting for viewers and readers. This means that they are going to put the scariest, click-bait-iest, most fear-inducing headlines they can come up with on these virus stories. To make you watch THEIR network. It’s the business of news.
My suggestion would be to check the Center for Disease Control (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO) for updates. These are
Talking To Your Kids
Your kids will probably have questions. And your answers will vary depending on the age of your kids. You don’t want to outright terrify them, but you want them to show a little caution as well. I think it’s best to just keep it simple and say:
“There’s a bad virus going around. It’s kind of like the flu and a bad head cold teamed up and became a super-virus. Lots of people are sick and it’s easy to catch, so we want to be really careful about washing our hands. When you cough and sneeze, try to do it into your elbow. We will just be really careful and try to not get the virus. But if we do get it, we have medicine to make us feel better.”
It can truly be as simple as that. Answer any other questions they might have and then keep it moving. Definitely don’t keep the news on tv all day if the kids are in the house. They don’t need to see all the coverage for sure.
Facts About Coronavirus
What do we know about Coronavirus? Well, it’s a respiratory virus. There isn’t a cure or vaccine. It spreads incredibly easily. And the symptoms include your usual respiratory virus symptoms like coughing, runny nose, fever and possibly shortness of breath.
Treat the Symptoms
Just like if you have the flu or a cold, you should treat the symptoms if you have, or even think you have the Coronavirus. Watch out for dehydration and drink plenty of fluids. Keep an eye on the fever and take Tylenol and/or Motrin. You can take cold and flu over the counter meds if they help your symptoms. Watch for shortness of breath.
Stay Away From Others
Because of how this virus can spread before people actually show symptoms of sickness, it’s probably best to limit exposure to others. Now’s probably not the time to be hosting a ton of house parties and kid sleepovers. It’s time to play it smart and not be around a ton of people.
Prevention of Coronavirus
In effort to prevent getting this virus, there are a few things you can do.
First, stay out of as many public places as possible. If you can have it delivered from ordering online, do so. You can order groceries, supplies and any other shopping needs online these days. It’s the smart play to attempt to avoid stores all together for a bit if you can.
Secondly, try and take good care of yourself on the front end. You could perhaps prevent yourself from getting the virus, or maybe make the virus less severe if you are as strong as you can be going into the virus.
Sleep
Try to be as well rested as you can. You are more likely to be able to fight off germs if you aren’t running on too little sleep. So catch those zzz’s and get yourself as rested as you can.
Vitamins and Probiotics
I take these each day anyway. But I think it’s important for your body to have these extra vitamins these days. It keeps your system working in
Feed Yourself Well
Feed yourself and your family well during this time. Plan lots of meals with a nice balance of protein, healthy carbs and veggies. Now is the time to really nourish your bodies to stay as healthy as you can! Throw in a super-food here and there if you can. Maybe don’t binge a bunch of sugar.
Water
Drinking water is crazy important all the time. Not just now. But if you aren’t getting in at least 64
Vitamin C
I’m hedging my bets and having some extra Vitamin C each day. Just a glass of nice, delicious, pulp-free (cause that’s the only acceptable orange juice…) Orange Juice every day. Just a little something extra to boost the immune system.
Sunshine and Fresh Air
I’m trying to make sure that my family and I get lots of sunshine and fresh air during this time. The weather seems to be breaking a little and getting warmer, making this a more likely possibility in the last week or so. I’m hoping that continues because fresh air and sunshine go a long way to making you feel really good!
Exercise
I think exercise is important for two different reasons. One, it’s just good for your body, your heart as well as your entire cardiovascular system. Secondly, and maybe even more importantly, it’s so good for your mental health. It releases endorphins and gives your mood a boost and helps you think more clearly. It’s a complete win-win to exercise.
Prevention Wrap Up
Again, I’m not a medical professional. I’m just a mommy with a finance degree. So, I’m truly not qualified for any medical advice. But all these prevention ideas seem very common sense to me and very straightforward. None of this information re-invents the wheel here!
What Do You Do If You Think You Have Coronavirus?
Firstly, don’t panic.
Second, call your doctor and see what they advise you to do. They will probably suggest you stay home and monitor your symptoms, just as you would with flu or cold. However, if you are having trouble breathing, you may need to see a medical professional. Your doctor may refer you to go to a separate location or have specific instructions for you. Do NOT just walk into your doctor’s office. You could contaminate an entire office, which needs to be operating for people that have other illnesses and medical needs.
For general safety, lots of doctor’s offices are not going to treat you at their office right now if you have Coronavirus. You may have to go to a designated Urgent Care Clinic or to the Emergency Room. But CALL them. They will tell you what to do.
So really, monitor your symptoms. Medicate as necessary. Drink fluids. And stay as calm as you can.
Kids and the Coronavirus
According to all news sources, so far, this is a very mild virus for kids. Which is just excellent news. It’s not that I want the adults to have it, but I feel like adults are much more able to be able to describe how we feel and what is happening to our bodies
How To Worry Less
Now, we’ve got all our facts on the table. Let’s address how we can help you worry less about this virus. Because as a mom, wife, sister and daughter, I get it. I’m worried too. Here’s what I’m doing to assure myself and keep myself calm during this time:
First, I’ve changed my mindset. I’m accepting that it’s more likely than not that we will, at some point, get this virus. I’m still working diligently on prevention for sure, but I also shifted to preparation as well. It makes me feel better in all situations to be prepared.
Preparing for Coronavirus
Prescription Medicines
Firstly, make sure any prescription medications you have are refilled and nicely stocked up. That would most likely prevent any extra trips to the pharmacy when you might not be feeling so well later.
Cold Medicines and Fluids
It’s a good idea to stock meds for both adults and kids for fever and cold and flu symptoms. So at our house, for the adults, I’ve got some cough syrup, some cold meds, Ibuprofen and Tylenol. I’ve got the same for the kids. I also stock Gatorade and Pedialyte all the time anyway. You never know when you might need Pedialyte. And when you do is usually not a time you want to be running to the store to get it. I just keep some in the back of the fridge just in case we need it.
Thermometers
Now is the time to make sure you’ve got an accurately working thermometer. One that works for adults and kids is ideal, either on the forehead or ear. Remember if you have a infant baby that a rectal thermometer is best and most accurate.
Grocery Items to Keep Handy
I wouldn’t go nuts on the groceries. I’d stock up on a few frozen convenience foods like pizzas, lasagnas and pot pies. Beyond that, I’d suggest stocking some dry goods like pasta, crackers, peanut butter and canned goods. If you’ve got anyone with diet restrictions, make sure you have plenty of food stocked for that family member.
As for paper products like toilet paper and paper towels, I always order in bulk, therefore I have a decent stash anyway. But you don’t need a ton. Just get enough for a few weeks if you have to buy (and you can find it!).
Conclusion – How to Prepare for Coronavirus WHILE Remaining Calm
And there you have it. That’s how to prepare for Coronavirus while remaining calm. And truthfully, that’s about all you can do to prepare for Coronavirus (or any virus for that matter). Be prudent and cautious. Use your good common sense. Prepare as best you can. And prepare as much as you need for your mind to be at ease. Beyond that, it’s time to keep yourself informed and then go onward and live your life as best as possible right now. I wish you good luck and great health. Until next time, just keep shuffling.
Related Posts:
- Keeping Your Sanity When The Entire Family Gets Sick
- Simple Ways to Conquer The Winter Blues
- Overcoming Overwhelm: A Mommy’s Guide
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