Right at Home shares well-known tips to help prevent the spread of viruses, but first, what is the impact of Coronavirus?

According to the BBC, the coronavirus (officially known as Covid-19) had infected 78,927 people in China as of 28 February, with 2,790 of them dying. The proportion dying from the disease appears to be between 1% and 2% but the figures are unreliable as many cases of the illness remain unreported. To put this into context, about one billion people catch influenza every year, with between 290,000 and 650,000 deaths. 

What are the Symptoms?

• fever and tiredness
• followed by a dry cough
• muscle pain
• after a week, it leads to shortness of breath
• some patients require hospital treatment

Incubation Period

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the incubation period between infection and showing any symptoms lasts up to 14 days but some researchers say it may be as long as 24 days. Some Chinese scientists say people may be infectious even before their symptoms appear.

Who is at Risk?

As with most respiratory illnesses, it is likely to be the young and old who are most at risk once infected. Of the first 425 confirmed deaths across mainland China, 80 per cent were over the age of 60, and 75 per cent had some form of underlying illness.

Treatment

Like most viruses, the treatment has been to keep the patient's body going and, in this case, breathing support, until their immune system can fight off the virus. There is work underway to develop a vaccine and it is hoped there will be human trials before the end of the year. A pandemic is declared when an infectious disease threatens different parts of the world simultaneously and officials are watching the statistics carefully. 

How Coronavirus spreads

The virus spreads in a similar way to the flu or the common cold, in large droplets produced by coughs and sneezes. Germs can live on surfaces for several hours.

Home care provider tips to limit your exposure and spreading of Coronavirus and other viruses

• Avoid unnecessary international travel
• Ensure your immunity is as good as it can be with healthy food and vitamin intake (for advice on special needs, speak to your doctor)
• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell (Public Health experts define ‘close contact’ as having spent at least 15 minutes within two metres of an infected person).
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Wash hands frequently
• Catch coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues
• If you don’t have a tissue use your sleeve
• Throw away used tissues

Information for Australians

Locally there is information available as follows:

Australian Government Department of Health

Victorian Health and Human Services

NSW Health

Queensland Health

ACT Health

WA Department of Health

Tasmanian Department of Health

Northern Territory Department of Health

SA Health

Caring for Loved Ones at Home

As a home care provider Right at Home Australia provides the support and homecare and assistance needed for people suffering with illness to remain at home together with their loved ones through recovery. Our care services fall into several categories of home care for seniors, adults living with a disability and post-operative care including services for those with special care situations caused by complex medical conditions. Right at Home is a 'My Aged Care' government approved, home care provider for levels 1 – 4 and have a comprehensive portfolio of care services that ensure your loved ones get the care they need.  If you think you or your loved ones have symptoms of the flu or Coronavirus you must seek medical advice and attention as soon as possible.

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Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care, and assistance to seniors and adults living with a disability who want to continue to live independently or age in their home. Right at Home is your local expert for issues related to caring for your loved ones and is dedicated to keeping you informed about home care. With no admin or subscription fees Right at Home allows you to get more care from your package or budget.

Right at Home is a 'My Aged Care' government approved, home care provider for levels 1 – 4 and offers flexible in-home care services such as nursing care, after hospital care, post-operative care, respite care, dementia and Alzheimer's care. Right at Home also offers assistance with daily living and personal care such as grooming, hygiene, transport, shopping, meal prep, domestic services and social support, so your loved one can enjoy a more independent, vibrant life. Our nurses and caregivers are screened, highly trained and insured prior to entering your home so you can trust us with the caregiving while you focus on your loved one.

To find out more, please give us a call on 1300 363 802 or visit our website.