These guidelines describe simple measures that can be undertaken at the household level to prevent spreading the disease to other family members and to provide basic care for the ill person. These health practices do not require assistance from trained health staff and can be applied to a variety of illnesses.
Four key measures for containing the disease are social distancing (keeping ill household members from those that are well), respiratory etiquette, hand-hygiene and ventilation.
1. Social Distancing
The ill person should keep at least an arm’s length distance from others.
Minimise gatherings (do not entertain visitors). The ill persons should confine themselves to a single room??or area in the house and avoid those areas where others gather.
2. Respiratory Etiquette
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
Throw used tissues in a covered garbage can with a plastic liner or place them in a plastic bag.??Bags should be tied before being put out for collection.
3. Hand Hygiene
Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before rinsing.
- Or use alcohol-based gels which should be rubbed on hands and allowed to air dry.
4. Ventilation
Create good airflows through the house by opening your windows and doors. This helps to get rid of germs.
If you are the caregiver, avoid being face-to-face with the sick person. Stay at least an arm’s length away and have them wear a surgical mask.
When holding small children who are sick, place their chin on your shoulder so that they will not cough in your face.
Clean your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub after you touch the sick person or handle used tissues, or laundry.
Get medical care right away if the sick person at home:
Has difficulty breathing or chest pain
Has purple or blue discoloration of the lips
Is vomiting and unable to keep liquids down
Has signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, absence of urination, or in infants, a lack of tears when they cry
Has seizures (for example, uncontrolled convulsions)
Is less responsive than normal or becomes confused