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The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting people across the world, and no one is feeling its effects more than healthcare professionals on the front line. Other caretakers and key medical workers tasked with treating patients with chronic illnesses or emergency injuries also come under risk as they continue to be potentially exposed to COVID-19.
With cases growing in the US daily, many are wondering how to do their part to help reduce the rate of infection and assist these professionals.
Conditions may vary throughout the country based on both exposure and lockdown or distancing measures. Still, regardless of where you live, there are some ways that you can help support healthcare workers and keep them safe.
Follow Official Guidelines
The CDC and hospitals have outlined clear, easy-to-follow guidelines to help reduce the spread and rate of infection across the US. These are measures you can follow whether you are at home, shopping, or traveling to work.
The most important thing you can do is adhere to social distancing guidelines. This includes staying at least six feet away from everyone outside your immediate household, only going to populated areas such as stores for essentials, and staying in complete isolation if you show symptoms or have come into contact with anyone who may be infected within the past two weeks.
These guidelines may, and hopefully will, change in upcoming weeks and months as areas begin to lessen quarantine restrictions. But wherever you are, be sure to pay attention to and be respectful of your local guidelines.
You should also make sure to wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with hot water and soap and not touch your face. Especially avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, which are hotspots where the virus can enter your body.
By getting your information directly from trusted healthcare sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health Organization, you can also help stem the spread of misinformation that can lead to potentially dangerous behaviors and panic.
You cannot help healthcare workers without being healthy. Extremely cautious measures are recommended for chronic kidney disease patients and others who may have additional health problems or weakened immune systems and, as such, be more susceptible to contracting COVID-19.
Following these measures helps prevent the healthcare system from being overloaded with an overwhelming number of cases at once.
Use Telehealth Resources
Telehealth resources are services that give you access to necessary healthcare without leaving the house. For example, in many areas, hospitals will require an initial symptom screening via telephone prior to admittance for COVID-19 testing and care. Using these services reduces the number of people at clinics and hospitals, which limits the number of potentially exposed individuals who could spread the disease.
Many clinics have made these telehealth resources available, including video chat rather than in-person appointments, medication delivery options, and other services. Of course, some conditions require in-person treatment. But if it’s possible to conduct your visit remotely, check whether your medical provider has telehealth options available, as using them can both help keep you safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Be Vocal in Your Support
The final thing you can do to help support healthcare professionals is be vocal in your support. Show essential services and workers operating during this time that you appreciate what they are doing for the public good. A simple thank you can go a long way.
Medical professionals and other overburdened essential workers are almost certainly facing increased stress and anxiety. If you have friends or family members who fall in this category, do what you can to encourage positive self-care practices and let them know you’re available if they need someone to listen.
The COVID-19 pandemic is taking a toll on our society in many ways, and everyone needs to do their part to contribute to decreasing the spread and flattening the curve. Overall, the best way to show support is still to follow the basics: Stay safe, and stay home.
