Predicting the spread, behavior, and containment of coronavirus has been nearly impossible for health experts around the world. Symptoms continue to vary and evolve while best practices to prevent spread remain somewhat uncertain. Models using past pandemics suggest we could be dealing with coronavirus for a total of 12 to 36 months, with the development of a vaccine the only sure way to protect the world population.
For Ohioans in general and especially women, who continue to be caregivers for children and elderly parents in larger numbers than men, this means making every effort to stay healthy as we move into the summer months. While there is hope that warmer temperatures may slow the spread of coronavirus, additional cases are still expected as businesses begin to reopen.
What should your best practices be?
First, maintain good healthy habits as spring gives way to summer.
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Prepare healthy, well-balanced meals for you and your family, taking advantage of fresh fruit and veggies available during the summer.
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Consider planting your own garden for the freshest produce.
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Stay hydrated.
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Don’t neglect your exercise routine. Plan family exercise sessions.
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We’re all anxious to get outside but be aware of extreme heat and find shade when necessary.
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Be vigilant about ticks and mosquitos.
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Keep broad-spectrum sunscreen on hand for all family members.
Most experts agree that some level of careful disinfection and social distancing will continue through 2020, with summer events that involve large gatherings being canceled. Nonetheless, people will begin to get out as the weather warms, so the new normal hasn’t changed.
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Social distance everywhere you go.
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Wash your hands often and don’t touch your face.
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Understand the symptoms that could indicate COVID 19 and stay home if you do not feel well.
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Stay away from those considered at risk, including the elderly and immune compromised.
Notes for women
Among the most common concerns for women are potential risks to pregnant women, their unborn children, and infants and toddlers being cared for by someone who could be infected.
While there is much still be learned about coronavirus and COVID 19, experts have stated the following:
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Pregnant women do not appear to be at any greater risk for infection than anyone else.
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There are no cases of a baby contracting the virus from the mother during birth or through breast milk.
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New mothers who have tested positive for COVID 19 and are breastfeeding should take great care to protect the baby during close contact. If possible, use a breast pump and designate a healthy caregiver for the child.
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Lowering stress levels by exercising and taking time for yourself will go a long way in improving your health.
Most importantly, women—everyone young and old, in fact—should not neglect needed care out of fear of visiting a clinic. Women need follow-up care after having a baby and preventive care in general, including well-care and vaccines for children or cancer screening procedures, such as mammograms and colonoscopies, should not be put off indefinitely.
Experts continue to point out that 80% of people who catch coronavirus will not get very sick and may not even know they have it. As we move through 2020, more people will develop immunity to coronavirus and the spread will slow down.
Vaccines are already in testing, so for now, talk to your doctor about steps you can take to stay healthy this summer and move forward with your life.
If you have questions about your health and risk factors related to coronavirus, contact our office to speak to one of our doctors.