Coronavirus (COVID-19) is on the top of everyone’s mind. Some families are rushing to the store, stocking up in fear of the worst, while others are fearful they will not be able to get the supplies and care they need for themselves or a loved one. 

This virus is rapidly spreading across the world, believed to have entered the United States in February, with the first case being discovered in China¹. First discovered in a nursing home in Washington, new cases are popping up every newscast. The numbers are changing so quickly barely anyone can keep up. 

Coronavirus is a virus that exhibits symptoms similar to the flu. They include fever, coughing, and trouble breathing².

It is spread through close contact with others through respiratory droplets that are made when someone who  is infected coughs or sneezes³.

Caring Connections of New Jersey, like many of our members and partners, is keeping a close eye on Coronavirus developments, because the virus has the potential to be a matter of life and death for adults over age 60 and people young and old that have serious chronic medical conditions⁴.

Due to fears that the virus could be seriously dangerous to our aging population, nursing homes and hospice providers, even many right here in New Jersey, have temporarily suspended all non essential medical visits.

The more we can do right now to prevent the spread of this dangerous virus, the better off we all will be. If even if someone comes into contact with the virus but doesn’t get sick, but he or she could still be a carrier and spread it to others. 

There is no cure for Coronavirus, so cancellations, isolation, and other precautions are on everyone’s mind as we take measures to “Flatten the Curve.”

Flattening the curve simply means using protective measures so we don’t overwhelm the healthcare system.

The website, FlattenTheCurve.com, laid out key suggestions, as well as things we should avoid, as we take active steps to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe from the virus. (It has a wealth of great information. Hop on over there to get a full understanding of this virus and what’s going on.”

We made an infographic to sum it all up for you. Just click on the infographic to view it full size and zoom in. 

For information specifically for family caregivers concerned about how they can cope with Coronavirus when a loved one is in a facility, visit this article at CareGiving.com: https://www.caregiving.com/2020/03/talk/

For the official CDC Coronavirus website, follow this link: https://cdc.gov/coronavirus 

Sources:

1 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

2 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html 

3 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

4 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html