How can I prevent the rest of my family from getting sick if someone in my home gets COVID-19?
Anika H. Ahmed, MD
During a pandemic it is pretty common to see one or more family members get sick in a household. So far, a pattern seen in the pandemic of COVID-19 is that one member first brings in the Coronavirus into the home after close contact with a positive COVID-19 person. This is followed by the spread of Coronavirus eventually to others, if not all family members, resulting in an increased number of people infected by COVID-19, possibly fatally. It is recommended ideally to immediately isolate the first positive case of COVID-19 in the family by putting the person in a “sick room” and strictly avoiding contact. Realistically this is not always possible, as the majority of the population may be living in close quarters and a separate “sick room” may not be an option. The following is strongly recommended to keep the remaining family members protected and could be the key to controlling the pandemic:
- Frequent washing of hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds or more, especially before and after eating. This is critical if anyone is taking care of a child sick with COVID-19. In a family, only one adult should take care of the sick child while another available adult takes care of the remaining children. The caretaker adult of the sick child must wear a mask. He/she must wash hands thoroughly after handling the child’s diapers, vomit, or saliva. Many babies drool or burp; fluids must be thoroughly wiped and cleaned, and cloths ideally disposed of or contained immediately for later washing. All positive COVID-19 mothers looking after their babies should wear a mask while handling the baby and always wash hands thoroughly. Healthy family members as well as the sick person, if above two years of age, should wear a mask to prevent cross infection through droplet infection.
- Avoiding touching the face. Frequent reminders and signs around the house of ‘Minimal touch’ can make this a habit. Besides making a conscious effort of not touching the face, especially the nose and the mouth, all healthy individuals should also avoid touching surfaces shared with the sick person.
- Sanitizing all hard surfaces. Wipe down all shared doorknobs, handles, light switches, remote controls, keyboards, touch screens, furniture used frequently, countertops, taps, and faucets with a strong disinfectant. If a disinfectant is not available, use soap and water generously and wipe down.
- Separating utensils. The sick person can avoid sharing his/her Coronavirus by separating his/her dishes including plates, cups, glasses, silverware, and other personal items used frequently.
- Separating daily hygiene spaces and products. A separate ‘sick bathroom’ would be ideal, but again may not be possible. A separate tube of toothpaste, bar of soap, shampoo, and conditioner will also prevent the Coronavirus from moving person to person in the house if the bathroom is shared. Ideally the sick person should clean and disinfect all surfaces of the bathroom especially the faucet, sink, and toilet after each use. If this is not possible then another adult can clean wearing a mask and disposable gloves. Gloves must be disposed immediately, and hands washed thoroughly.
- Ordering groceries online and avoiding leaving the house. Depend on deliveries and let your delivery person know that there is a COVID-19 positive case in your house. Totally avoid any direct contact with the delivery person.
It is important to stay in touch with your doctor on a telemedicine platform and monitor symptoms of each and every family member closely. Your doctor can guide you as to when it is safe to end isolation of the sick person, safe to go out to the grocery store, and safe to be together as a family.