For the past year, our lives and plans have been drastically altered, “thanks” to the coronavirus pandemic. Now we’re in the middle of another winter, and we’re spending more time indoors where there’s a heightened risk for infection. Add that to the seasonal threats of the common cold and flu, so we need to take extra precautions to remain healthy. Here are some tips from WellCare Urgent Care to help keep your winter safe.
Why the Indoors is a Greater Threat for Coronavirus Spread
It’s not surprising that COVID-19, or any infectious disease for that matter, spreads more easily indoors where people are in an enclosed space. In addition, the closer and the longer they’re together further increases the risk. If one person is infected, any droplets they release from breathing, talking, sneezing, or coughing can quickly spread to others in the room and, eventually, the entire building.
How to Protect Your Kids in School Settings
Children infected with COVID-19 generally experience milder symptoms than adults. However, there have been some cases of kids who have become severely ill or have even died. Some believe that children are less likely to spread the virus, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to research transmission of the disease.
If your kids’ school is holding in-person classes, find out what precautions the school takes to protect students, teachers, and staff. Encourage your kids to follow the school’s policies regarding wearing masks, sanitizing, and social distancing, and remind them that by doing so they’ll be protecting their own health, as well as that of their family.
If any family member is in a high-risk category for contracting COVID-19, they should remain socially distant from any kids who attend in-person classes. Also, prepare for potential school closings that may result from an unexpected outbreak, and plan how you and your kids might handle online instruction.
How to Avoid Getting Sick
Don’t postpone getting your annual flu shot just because you might be afraid of contracting COVID-19 in the doctor’s office. Because they follow strict precautions, health care settings like WellCare Urgent Care are among the safest public places to visit. If you need any medical care that doesn’t require you to visit in-person, consider telemedicine if your health care provider offers that alternative.
Limit shopping in person, and check out alternatives such as curbside pickup or delivery. Avoid unnecessary travel, especially out of your community or out of state.
Try to spend as little time as possible with people outside your immediate household. Remember, cold weather means that any gatherings will need to be indoors. Think about postponing large special events until spring or summer when you can hold them outdoors and when, hopefully, the virus will be eradicated!
Finally, be sure to eat a healthy diet consisting of whole grains, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates. This helps to keep you in your best health, allowing your immune system to function more efficiently.
Schedule an Appointment
If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, testing is available at WellCare Urgent Care. You can also schedule an appointment for treatment for various medical conditions like the cold or flu. Call or contact us online.
