Question: Fingers stay crossed that neither me nor my husband come down with the virus. Planning ahead though…..if that happens, how does one care for the other in a small apartment with one bath? It’s possible to sleep apart, but total separation would be difficult. And, if our son gets it (he’s two hours away, lives alone), would it be prudent to bring him to our house where he can isolate in the basement but not be alone? Am I over-reacting? As always, thanks!
Answer: So many people are facing these questions! While I’m not nearly the planner you are, it does make me feel better to have a plan and to at least feel as though I have some agency. Fingers crossed, masks worn, and distance kept — you and yours stay healthy — but just in case, here’s the scoop, synthesized from CDC guidelines and for a more entertaining take, please check out this short video from Yale School of Medicine (Figure 1):
- Help with basic needs. Provide food, drink, medicine, etc. (all from a distance)
- Watch for warning signs. Have the doctor’s number handy and reach out if you have questions or concerns. Call 911 if you see emergency signs — trouble breathing, pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, inability to stay awake or to sleep, or blue lips/face.
- Protect yourself.
- Keep physical distance. Be kind to your family member and emotionally supportive, but try to keep at least 6 feet away. This means sleeping in different areas, eating in different areas, leaving food and drink beside a person (or at their room’s door), keeping separate bedrooms and bathrooms (if possible) etc.
- Wear masks. When you are engaging with your family member, both of you should wear face masks.
- Keep airflow. If you have to share space, including a bathroom, keep a window open and fresh air circulating.
- Clean and disinfect. Frequently disinfect high touch surfaces. Use hot water and soap to wash dishes. Use gloves to wash dishes, clean bathrooms, do the laundry, and clean up after your sick family member as needed. Use trash can liners.
- Avoid sharing personal items. Use different dishes, towels and the like.
- Track your own health. Keep track of how you’re feeling and reach out to your healthcare provider.
4. Protect others.
- Self quarantine. Stay home for 14 days after your last exposure. This seems really challenging since the person who tests positive/is sick, is supposed to stay away from others for at least 10 days since the positive test (for asymptomatic folks) OR (for symptomatic folks) at least 10 days since symptoms first appeared + 24 hours since last fever + other symptoms are improving. If you’re the household caregiver, this means that you need to consider the last exposure to be the 10th day since your family member’s positive test/symptoms and then add 14 days.
- No visitors. Please ask for help from others, but please do not have them into your home.
- If you have to leave. Keep your distance, wear your mask, wash your hands, and avoid any interactions that could last >10–15 minutes and possibly expose others.
When it comes to taking care of your son, since he’s the youthful one and you and your husband are at greater risk of more severe outcomes, I think it’s best if you keep your distance. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend inviting him to stay in your home (even if it is your basement). Instead, I’d recommend having regular/frequent check-ins, sending food, getting your son’s healthcare provider information (just in case), etc.
Figure 1. Keep physical distance (screenshot from Yale video)
