b'INFECTIOUS DISEASE GUIDE|influenza, out of hundreds of thousands thatknow. PRN Staffing Agencies are already ontoms only. This would be called a pre-contracted the illness. The math computes tothe alert, as well as government supply chainssumptive positive once the patient has a mortality rate of approximately 0.1%. Whilepreparing for the use of additional ventilators,been tested locally. 3the average American citizen is far less likelyemergency medical wards, and health depart- Testing kits are now available at city to catch the novel coronavirus, the mortalityment sites for testing. The UK has already dis- EDs, although the results are verified in rate is about ten to twenty times higher thancussed plans for calling in retired personnel (ifAtlanta and then confirmed as positive that of the seasonal influenza. So, if you areneeded) to assist with staff relief if cases con- results to the CDC.one of the unlucky few to contract this virus,tinue to escalate. Very important: it is inappropriate to do not allow anyone to tell you its far betterIn the United States, nurses need to beginwear masks unless you are a caregiver than getting the flu.to prepare families and communities forfor a presumptive positive patient in the In countries such as Iran, the mortality ratea mindset that includes hunkering down athome, or you are a healthcare worker, may be much higher, as they struggle throughhome. Schools and businesses may close.in which case an N95 mask would be economic sanctions and increased difficultyAlthough self-quarantine is appropriate whenappropriate. Regular masks do not offer obtaining resources. individuals are diagnosed as presumptive- protection against the coronavirus and ly-positive, families and communities needshould not be purchased or hoarded.PREPARATION to be prepared. This includes:As many Americans listen to the news, theyMeeting with household members,DAILY LIFEmay be faced with growing concern andrelatives, and friends to discuss indi- It is possible and even expected the Covid-questions about how to prepare, particularlyvidual needs, including food and19 coronavirus will be around through 2020 if their schools or communities are amongtransportation. 2 and into 2021. Epidemiologists estimate it those affected by the virus. One of the firstDiscussing ways to care for high-riskmay be 12-18 months before a vaccine is avail-questions is what constitutes an exposure?individuals, including a way to get helpable despite what you may have heard on An exposure is being in the presence of anas needed. the news. Clinical trials with remdesivir and infected or presumptively positive per- Identifying network resources and orga- other antivirals have been initiated and may son within ~three to six feet if that person isnizations that can provide services:show promise, but these are in early stages. coughing or sneezing or sharing a room (ormeals, pharmaceuticals, pet care, child- In the meantime, daily life may need to adapt. school room, etc.). At present it is not knowncare, breast milk for nursing moms. We may see schools and businesses close, if the coronavirus is passed via one cough orCreate, share, and update an emergencychurches and community events shutter, several coughs, but it is highly contagious andcontact list for family members. and people begin to be quarantined in their more so than SARS or MERS. The virus isPlan to have at least 2 weeks of supplieshomes.passed by droplets, not by airborne exposure.on hand: tissues, hand sanitizer (60%What people can do in the interim is to stay Droplets from MERS and SARS were knownalcohol), soap, bottled water, cannedcalm, be prepared, know the facts, and keep to stay viable for as long as nine days (aftergoods, OTC and prescription medica- family members informed. Wash your hands, those outbreaks) on inanimate objects such astions, pain medication,cough and coldwash your hands, wash your hands (for a full tables, equipment, etc. Thorough disinfectionmedication, disposable masks (only iftwenty seconds). For further questions, CDC.with bleach products will kill the virus. caring for a positive patient), electrolytegov is the best resource available online.nWhat is also known is that persons whofluid (Gatorade, Pedialyte), popsicles, pet are positive for the coronavirus may be com- food. 4 REFERENCESpletely asymptomatic and spread the diseaseDesignate a specific room as a sick1.CDC.gov Get your household ready for without knowing they are ill. 13 repatriatedroom if someone should begin to exhibit passengers from the Diamond Princess cruisesymptoms. Clean the room as you wouldthe pandemic flu., April 2017, Centers for ship tested positive for the virus as they werea patient with a communicable illness atDisease Control and Prevention.2.CNN.com Preparing for a pandemic: being transported back to the United States,work. If the patient can be managed at even though they did not feel ill at the time.home and symptoms are mild, call yourWhat should I buy? Are there places I Once they were back in the States, a few of theprovider for instructions and testing.should avoid?, Howard, J., February 28, passengers later began to exhibit symptoms:Your provider may prefer to send some- 2020.fever, sore throat, achiness, mild GI symp- one to your home rather than have the3.Mercurynews.com: Coronavirus: How totoms, URI. patient come to the office. If the patientprepare for likely U.S. outbreak., Krieger, is compromised or short of breath, or hasL., February 25, 2020.COMMUNITIES comorbid conditions, OR needs to go to4.Ready.gov Pandemic last updatedMost every hospital in the United States hasthe ER, let the first responders know that2/05/2020, US Department of Health and an emergency preparedness plan, as nursescoronavirus may be suspected by symp- Human Services (HHS link).20 INFECTIOUS DISEASE GUIDE|2020| www.elitecme.com'