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These numbers are only going to rise.
Getty / Stacy Morrison; Designed by Morgan Johnson
Its still worth talking about all of this with a medical professional.
Here are more tips for anyone caring for someone with the new coronavirus.
First, see to it you understand how the new coronavirus is transmitted.
They can also spread when peoplespeak or even exhale.
Those are the basics of new coronavirus transmission that you better know for everything to follow in this story.
You canhead over hereif youd like a deeper dive.
It might be hard, but keep your physical distance as much as possible.
So many of us dont have homes that can accommodate this unprecedented situation.
Just venture to do the best you’re able to.
The recommendation is toself-quarantine for 14 daysafter your last possible exposure to COVID-19.
This is another time when you might only do the best you might.
Be diligent about your hand hygiene.
If you dont have access to soap and water, use ahand sanitizerthat contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
Protection-wise, its not quite as good as handwashing, but it can certainly help.
Have the sick person wear a facemask if possible.
Theres an unignorable elephant in the room herea few, actually.
If you dont already have surgical masks, its not remotely easy to find them right now.
This can be especially important if youre at high risk of COVID-19 complications yourself.
Disinfect high-touch surfaces at least once a day.
Staying on top of laundry is also very important when someone youre caring for is sick with COVID-19.
If the laundry is visibly soiled, wear gloves and/or practice good handwashing.
Heresa whole guide to cleaning and disinfectingyour home to reduce the odds of getting COVID-19.
Treat your loved ones symptoms with guidance from a doctor.
People can take acetaminophen every four to six hours for fevers or body aches, she adds.
Its important to see to it there are no contraindications.
Know when its time to seek emergency care.
To be fair, this next part can be hard to believe because COVID-19 is frankly very scary.
Try not to forget about your mental health, too.
Its okay to feel scared.
Its okay to feel afraid.
Its okay to feel frustrated.Its okay to just barely be getting by right now.
Try not to be hard on yourself for these emotions.
Beyond that, make a run at protect your mental health in ways that make sense for you.
One thing that can be really helpful is to limit your news intake.
(Heres where you’re able to get accurate newsabout the new coronavirus.)
Cates also suggests trying to remember thatover 100,000people have recovered from this disease to date.
Beyond that, venture to think about what might help youbeat back the anxiety or fearright now.
Is it trying to stick to adaily routineas much as you might?
Are there any apps that might allow you to unwind a bit?
One of my favorites isPTSD Coach, says Cates.
Its not just for people with PTSD.
It has a section with lots of great tools for practicing relaxation, visualization, mindfulness, etc.
Some of these suggestions might help your loved one, too.
So can keeping in mind that compassion and flexibility can go a long way right now.
Many agencies and professionals are now offering telehealth services, says Cates.
One great potential alternative is theCOVID-19 Emotional Support Hotlinethat New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on March 25.
(Hopefully other states set up similar resources or work together to form a national hotline.)
