Hospital Corner

By Tom Anderson

I have been working in respiratory therapy for over 36 years. "WE", you and I, have lived through the Ebola virus, HIV, Hantavirus and Sars just to name the big boys. We are still here. Time is the one constant that can drive everyone crazy.

Stay home and wait this out. All viruses start slow than ramp up fast (that's the time we infect each other) and ramp back down (that's the time we get smart, stay home stop spreading the bug). The more we contain ourselves, the faster this virus will go away. As a grandfather, here's a crazy idea. Spend some family time together (If you're not sick). Do a family puzzle–do one of those chores you've been talking about doing, but just can't find the time. You got time now! P.S.–Stop buying out toilet paper, it doesn't kill the Covid-19 bug!

How do you know if it's COVID-19, a Cold, or the Flu?

When you have symptoms, they can be similar to a bad cold or the flu. Your doctor will suspect COVID-19 if:

•You have fever and breathing problems and you've traveled to places where the virus has spread

•You've been exposed to people who have it within the last 21 days.

•You've been to group events–with people coughing and/or sneezing.

A cold usually blesses you with a runny nose and a moist cough among other unpleasant experiences.

A COVID-19 has a Dry cough and No runny nose.

What can I do?

Keep your mouth and throat moist, don't get dry. Warm water–NOT ice water.

Simple test is to take a deep breath and hold your breath for 10 seconds.

Can you do this without coughing? Can you do this without distress? Can you take a normal big breath or does it feel like your lungs are partially filled already?

If distress and/or coughing while holding your breath, don't panic, call your provider. Do you have a temperature?

If you have COPD, Asthma, Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis–any lung disease, you should check with your provider–but take your medications on time as prescribed. Stay away from everyone. YOU are at a greater risk with lungs that are already compromised. DON'T Panic. Be smart.

Use family, friends, and churches to assist you with the basic needs. Stay away from groups of people–Stop touching everything and clean your hands.

Hands–Hands–Hands–Every surface you touch can have a bug on it.

How many people touch the key pads when you pay for something? What about that door knob that everyone touches to go in and out of your favorite places? Get the picture?

The new line is "Know your holes" Wash your hands. Your mouth, nose and eyes all accept the Covid-19 bug. So, don't touch your face, rub your eyes, pick your teeth. Do you have contacts? Did you clean your fingers before touching your eye? See how YOU can spread the bug?

Elk Drug your pharmacy in Dayton will deliver prescriptions to people in need, Both in Dayton and Waitsburg. CALL - 3822536

If you have questions–call your provider.

If you thin k you are sick or have been exposed, call your provider or ER if you don't have a provider. DO NOT JUST SHOW UP at the hospital or clinic if you think you are sick. You will just get more people sick. If you need to be tested, call first. You can stay in your car and a hospital nurse will come to your car and administer the test. It's just a good nasal swab. Don't panic–One step at a time.

Then we all will be playing in the sunshine and complaining how hot it is...

Tom Anderson, CRT, HBOT; Emergency Preparedness Coordinator; Respiratory Therapist