Coronavirus precautions for patients and others facing higher risks
Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., M.P.H., FAAFP, the American Heart Association’s Chief Medical Officer for Prevention, shares advice and resources for patients and others concerned about the coronavirus.
As we all continue to adapt to living with COVID-19, it’s important that we don’t let our guard down.
The best way to do that is to stick to the simple things that can stop the spread of the coronavirus. You’ve heard these tips before, but you’ll keep hearing them because they’re our best defense against the virus:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds.
- Don’t touch surfaces out in public. If you must do so, wash your hands afterwards.
- Plan to wear a mask if you’re in an area with high transmission rates of a respiratory virus, such as COVID-19, or for five days after if you’ve been exposed to or have /had a respiratory virus. It’s also a good idea to wear a mask if you or people around you have the risk factors for severe illness.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throw it away. If you don’t have a tissue handy, cough or sneeze into your long sleeve at the elbow fold.
- Try not to touch your mouth, nose or eyes.
Continue to stay informed. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers regularly updated and reliable information. Be sure to also follow the guidance of your state and local health officials. You can also find updates and tips to stay healthy at heart.org.
Who is at risk of infection or complications?
It continues to look like older people with heart disease or high blood pressure are more likely to develop more severe symptoms.
Stroke survivors and those with heart disease, including high blood pressure and congenital heart defects, may face an increased risk for complications if they become infected with the COVID-19 virus. People with diabetes, compromised immune systems, chronic lung diseases, obesity and other underlying conditions also may be at risk of more severe illness, according to the CDC.
Also, national data indicates Black people, Hispanics and American Indians/Alaskan Natives appear to be disproportionately impacted by COVID deaths. These same population groups are already more vulnerable to cardiovascular and stroke risks, as well as social determinants of health.
What if you have symptoms of the coronavirus?
Common symptoms for coronavirus include a fever, cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Contact your health care professional if you have these symptoms. They will tell you if you need to come into the office for evaluation and testing or if a telehealth appointment is possible.
If you or someone in your household is confirmed to have COVID-19 but the person is stable enough to be treated at home, consider these precautions advised by the CDC:
- Make sure appropriate caregivers are available at home.
- Ensure there’s a separate bedroom where the person with COVID-19 can recover without sharing immediate space with others.
- Make sure everyone in your household can adhere to precautions recommended as part of home care or isolation. That includes covering coughs or sneezes, frequent handwashing, not touching your face and being sure to regularly wipe down surfaces with household cleaners.
- Set up some basic rules for making sure the person being isolated can get food and other necessities with minimal risk to others.
- Stay in touch with your health care professional.
- Watch for emergency signs, such as trouble breathing, persistent chest pain, and pale or blue lips and skin. Call 911 or call your local emergency facility before you arrive to let them know you need help for someone who may have COVID-19.
And, if you experience the warning signs of heart attack or stroke, call 911 immediately. Getting care as soon as possible improves the chances of survival.
