There is nothing more important than protecting ourselves from the various health risks we might encounter. These days however, the reality of living with the heightened exposure to COVID-19 is certainly an even greater concern for many individuals. This is particularity true for those who are immunocompromised, with the elderly population being among the highest demographic that make up this group.
However scary this situation may seem, you can gain some peace of mind from knowing that there are ways to protect yourself during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some tips to provide you with more information about how to stay safe during these unprecedented times.
Limit Social Interactions
One major way you can keep yourself safe during this time is to limit the social interactions you have with others. While it may be difficult, it has been strongly recommended by many medical professionals that in order to decrease the risk of being infected, it is best to keep to smaller groups, such as your immediate family members and close friends.
With recent research indicating that large group gatherings can also increase the rate of transmission, steering clear of large groups of people, even if they include family and friends is one of the best defences to illness you can have.
In many parts of Canada, in fact, these rules have been put in place and there is a cap placed on both inside and outside group gathering sizes. In order to protect yourself and others, it is best to stay up to speed with these rules for group size as they are evaluated and adjusted as needed based on how the ongoing situation with COVID continues to unfold.
Limit Time in Public Places
While it is not realistic that everyone has the ability to remain home at all times, you can reduce your risk of contracting the virus by limiting the amount of time you spend in public places, especially in indoor locations.
Fortunately, in many business and common spaces, wearing face masks and sanitizing practices have been made mandatory. That being said, if you do need to go out into the community for a variety of reasons, then it is also important to do what you can to keep your distance from others as well as adhering to these important guidelines, whether they have been made mandatory or not in your area.
Alternatively, if you are more susceptible to illness, then you may even want to consider having a family member or friend deliver your food and other essential items to you instead so you can remain at home. If this is not an option for you, then it is best that you do continue to follow the important health and safety measures that are in place to reduce the transmission of COVID -19.
Continue to Access Health Care
While the thought of going outside and interacting with others during this time has become understandably frightening for many of us, it is still critical that we seek medical care as needed. Despite the presence of COVID-19, avoiding other healthcare treatments can be even more detrimental to your health, and you should not hesitate to contact your doctor or another medial professional if you are at all unwell.
In the end, it is possible to significantly reduce your risk of becoming ill with the virus by adhering to these health and safety measures as diligently as possible. It is also just as possible to continue to show compassion for others by protecting yourself, your loved ones – as well as others in your community from exposure to COVID-19.
Fortunately, You can also rest assured that if you are receiving home health care services, these trained individuals will also take the necessary precautions of reducing the spread of COVID-19, as you continue to receive essential services and proper care.
Please contact Annie’s Place for more advice on how we can help provide additional support during this challenging time for you and your family.