Health

HE A LTH • Spring 2020 7 The latest world map from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows nearly every country in the world has had a case of COVID-19. 799 W. Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606 508.796.1868 • afc@sevenhills.org • sevenhills.org MassHealth's Adult Family Care (AFC) supports seniors, people with disabilities, and people with a medical condition who live in the community and need physical assistance and/or supervision. AFC Caregivers through Seven Hills receive case management, nursing oversight, support, training, and a tax-free daily stipend. Call 508.796.1868, today, to see if you might qualify! Do You Provide Care for a Senior Family Member or Friend in Your Home? there will not be enough resources should everyone f lock to the hospital when they develop symptoms. "We simply don't have enough beds," said Finberg about UMass Memorial Medical Group. "We are recommending that people who are not in high-risk groups (young people) not come to the hospital if they think they have the virus." This may seem like a contradictory statement, coming from a healthcare facility, but it's one that is being echoed across the country. According to the CDC, people who are mildly ill should be isolated at home for the duration of their illness and only seek medical attention should symptoms worsen. Prevention is key So, what should young, non- immunocompromised people do to ward off sickness and prepare for an outbreak? "Wash your hands! Gosh, we are taught this in kindergarten!" said Angela Wilson, clinical microbiology instructor at Old Dominion University in Virginia. "Wash your hands and keep them away from your mouth, nose, eyes, and portals of entry. Stay away from those who are infected and don't touch contaminated surfaces," Wilson said. As face masks continue to f ly off the shelf, a global shortage is predicted to only get worse. This is a serious problem for medical personnel who rely on masks to prevent viral spread. However, contrary to popular thought, masks are not recommended as a preventative measure, and the CDC does not advise healthy people to wear them. "If you're healthy, it doesn't really make sense," said Finberg. "If you get the virus on your hands and then adjust the mask – therefore touching your face – you are effectively bypassing the mask and rendering it useless. If you're not washing your hands, the face mask won't help you. "If you're sick, a mask could help contain the spread, but it's not something that we are recommending healthy people go out and buy," said Finberg. Besides handwashing, another way to protect yourself from contracting COVID-19 is to be cognizant of what you're touching. CDC suggests – whenever possible – "When should I go to the doctor?" e U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends low- risk persons do not come to the hospital. However, if you develop the below emergency warning signs, seek medical help immediately. • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest • New confusion or inability to arouse • Blush lips or face Continued on Page 8 Worldwide spread

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