This information is provided by the CDC and the National Health Council for the benefit of the rare disease and chronically ill community caregivers.
What Should You Keep On Hand
- Over-the-counter fever reducers
- Pain relief for body aches
- Disposable gloves
- EPA approved disinfectant
- Bleach
Antibiotics are not effective against viral infection. If you are diagnosed you should remain in a single area of your home (like a bedroom) and self-quarantine. Caregivers should enter only as necessary. COVID-19 does not require hospitalization unless the following signs are observed.
- Blue Tint to Lips
- Patient Exhibits Confusion or Incoherent Speech
- Pressure or Pain in the Chest Area
- Shortness of Breath
- Dangerously High Level of Fever
- Extreme Vomiting or Diarrhea
EPA Approved Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations for Households with People Isolated in Home Care
- Cleaning refers to the removal of germs from surfaces areas. Cleaning will not kill germs or viruses but will lower the risk of exposure by reducing their numbers.
- Disinfecting refers to using EPA approved chemicals to kill surface germs after an area has been pre-cleaned further reducing the risk of exposure.
- Use disposable gloves one time only. Multi-use gloves should only be used for cleaning and disinfecting purposes. When the threat of exposure is over they should always be disposed of and never kept for re-use.
Clean all commonly touched surfaces with soap and water prior to disinfecting. Household disinfection can be achieved with diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions containing at least 70% alcohol, or COVID-19 approved EPA-registered household disinfectants. Never mix any bleaching product with ammonia or other cleansers.
Common household bleach is effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
A bleach to water dilution should contain five tbsp. (1/3cup) bleach per gallon of water or 4 tsp. bleach per quart of water should be used to clean:
- tables
- hard-backed chairs
- cell phones
- doorknobs
- light switches
- toilets
- sinks
- remotes
- handles
- desks
- All confirmed COVID-19 infected persons should remain in a single room if possible. Non-disposable food service items used should be removed with gloves and washed with hot soapy water or in a dishwasher. Proper handwashing techniques should be followed after handling used food service items.
- If possible, provide a lined trash can for the ill person. Always use disposable gloves when handling or removing trash. Wash hands after handling or disposing of trash.
- If a private bathroom is not available the bathroom should be cleaned and disinfected after EVERY USE by the ill person.
- Wear disposable gloves when removing dirty linen or laundry. If no gloves are available, wash your hands.
- DO NOT SHAKE DIRTY LAUNDRY OR LINEN. Shaking out laundry has the possibility of dispersing the COVID-19 virus through the air.
- Launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry from an ill person may be safely be washed with other people’s items.
INFORMATION SOURCE: CDC Website and the National Health Council Webinar 03/13/20