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A good friend from out of town visited me 2 weeks ago. We
talked about bird flu, and she wanted to know what she could do
to protect and care for her four year old at home if the bird flu was
coming here to this country. I really had to think about what to tell
her, and I am still thinking about it.
I told her that most sick people are going be cared for at home, but
if there is any difficulty with breathing or the sick person is
unconscious, to seek medical assistance immediately.
For family members being treated at home, as a nurse, the first
concern that comes to mind is protective gear for the caregiver.
Most parents might not think of the fact that they need to
protect themselves so that they can stay well to be there for their
chilren. By protective gear, I mean gloves, and masks, and I
would also include goggles to protect the mucus membranes of your
eyes from virus being coughed into your face. Sick kids will not be
covering their coughs, and they will contaminate every surface
around them. Speaking of contaminated surfaces brings to mind the
need for bleach which should be diluted 1 tsp bleach to 1-cup water
to clean any items contaminated with body fluids. You will, of course
wear gloves, mask and goggles while cleaning to protect yourself
from contaminated items as well as the bleach, and ventilate the
area to avoid toxic fumes.
So what would you want to have available for the care of a sick
family member, especially a child? Remember that what is safe
for adults is not always safe for kids. You should discuss this with
your family doctor in advance to be safe especially when you
are considering a child's needs. You will need to ask about what
he or she recommends for fever, pain, diarrhea, and coughing.
Medications that comes as liquids or can be crushed are best.
You will need to have a thermometer, and lots of linen available
for frequent bed changes and cleanups. Plastic bed pans are practical
and can be purchased at medical equipment stores if you want them
for adults.
This post is just a preliminary look at some basic items to have
ready in the home. There are many issues that I have not addressed
here as I am just beginning to look at this for myself. I have
recently accepted a position at a large medical center. All hospitals
have disaster plans. My feeling is that part of those plans should
involve community outreach programs to teach in advance of pandemic
how families can care for their sick at home. I am hoping to be involved
in helping to make this happen in my community. Any suggestions that
you have to add for home care would be welcome.
talked about bird flu, and she wanted to know what she could do
to protect and care for her four year old at home if the bird flu was
coming here to this country. I really had to think about what to tell
her, and I am still thinking about it.
I told her that most sick people are going be cared for at home, but
if there is any difficulty with breathing or the sick person is
unconscious, to seek medical assistance immediately.
For family members being treated at home, as a nurse, the first
concern that comes to mind is protective gear for the caregiver.
Most parents might not think of the fact that they need to
protect themselves so that they can stay well to be there for their
chilren. By protective gear, I mean gloves, and masks, and I
would also include goggles to protect the mucus membranes of your
eyes from virus being coughed into your face. Sick kids will not be
covering their coughs, and they will contaminate every surface
around them. Speaking of contaminated surfaces brings to mind the
need for bleach which should be diluted 1 tsp bleach to 1-cup water
to clean any items contaminated with body fluids. You will, of course
wear gloves, mask and goggles while cleaning to protect yourself
from contaminated items as well as the bleach, and ventilate the
area to avoid toxic fumes.
So what would you want to have available for the care of a sick
family member, especially a child? Remember that what is safe
for adults is not always safe for kids. You should discuss this with
your family doctor in advance to be safe especially when you
are considering a child's needs. You will need to ask about what
he or she recommends for fever, pain, diarrhea, and coughing.
Medications that comes as liquids or can be crushed are best.
You will need to have a thermometer, and lots of linen available
for frequent bed changes and cleanups. Plastic bed pans are practical
and can be purchased at medical equipment stores if you want them
for adults.
This post is just a preliminary look at some basic items to have
ready in the home. There are many issues that I have not addressed
here as I am just beginning to look at this for myself. I have
recently accepted a position at a large medical center. All hospitals
have disaster plans. My feeling is that part of those plans should
involve community outreach programs to teach in advance of pandemic
how families can care for their sick at home. I am hoping to be involved
in helping to make this happen in my community. Any suggestions that
you have to add for home care would be welcome.
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