ST. PAUL — While shoppers are clearing store shelves of toilet paper, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes, what else should we stock up on in case we become mildly sick with the new coronavirus and need to self-quarantine at home?
Plan
First, make a list:
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“Ensure your household has a current list of emergency contacts for family, friends, neighbors, carpool drivers, health care providers, teachers, employers, the local public health department and other community resources,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends. Also, find out if your neighborhood has a social media page.
Shop
“Think about necessary items to have at home, including prescription medicines (check your refill dates), and non-prescription medications, such as fever-reducing medications,” the Minnesota Department of Health recommends. “While it is less likely in a mild to moderate outbreak that we would see shortages of food in stores, health officials suggest that people gradually build up at-home supplies of non-perishable foods over the course of the next few weeks. This may help make it easier to stay home if you or a family member becomes sick, or if you want to avoid sick people during more intense waves of transmission at various times in a given community.”
During a local Target run last week in the metro, a reporter found many basic items sold out. During a press conference with President Trump on Friday, March 13, at White House Rose Garden, Brian Cornell, the CEO of Target, appeared along with other retail heads, noting that the competitors shared a common goal now — helping the American public stay safe and supplied: “In the near term,” Cornell said, “we’re all committed to making sure we’re keeping our stores open to serve the American consumer who is rapidly stocking up on household essentials, key food and beverage items that they need during this time, making sure we run safe stores and create an environment that’s safe for our team members … making sure they feel supported during this very critical time.”
Help
Virtuwell — a 24/7 online clinic developed by HealthPartners — announced last week that it is now offering a free online assessment tool for people wondering if they should be tested for COVID-19.
In a statement, Virtuwell stated: “If users do not meet criteria for COVID-19 testing but have symptoms that they’d like addressed by a nurse practitioner, they can proceed with a Virtuwell visit, which will cost $49 or less, depending on their insurance plan.”
The online assessment can be found at Virtuwell.com/treatment/coronavirus.
Virtuwell isn’t the only option, of course. Beyond calling your regular health provider if you have concerns about COVID-19, there are other virtual options — check with your local health care provider.
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Home comforts
We checked in with Theresa Havalad, family nurse practitioner and care delivery manager for Virtuwell, and asked her for advice on a shopping list.
“Whatever you would normally have on hand at home for cold and flu season,” Havalad says.
Such as, she says: ibuprofen and acetaminophen — including the liquid versions for kids.
Also, you probably already have some basics on hand — if you are stressed that store shelves are currently cleared of hand sanitizer, remember that soap and hot water work great; if you need to ease nasal congestion and you don’t have a humidifier, Havalad suggests just taking a hot shower. Instead of buying crates of bottled water and canned goods, think about your own habits and tastes.
“Think about what you like to eat when you’re sick — crackers, soup, Sprite — and have that at home,” she says.
Also, remember the basics:
“Rest and fluids,” says Havalad.
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