The COVID-19 Outbreak: A Nurse’s Perspective

Lions & Tigers & Coronavirus?! Oh my. Shedding light on the novel coronavirus, how to protect yourself, & a glimpse into life within hospital walls during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. For more information, read about my disclosure policy here.

Wow, what a week.

Across the world, every single human has felt an impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. Restrictive enforcements have been placed by governments globally in efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including school & work closings, travel bans, sports & event cancellations, bar/restaurant closures, meeting size limits, etc. Many people are stressed & scared.

As a nurse, I’ve had several reach out to me regarding the current world issue at large as we start to see more cases develop here in the United States. My advice? Try your very best to stay calm. Some stress & anxiety is completely normal & can even be healthy in small doses to continually remind ourselves to practice good hygiene, be environmentally aware, & stay informed. The reality is, this is a new virus without a vaccination & although researchers can make predictions, estimates, & recommendations, we truly don’t have all the answers right now & research will continue to develop over the several weeks & months to come.

Many current government enforcements & bans have been put into action based off of recommendations from the Center of Disease Control (CDC). The CDC, the top of the line research organization for infectious diseases, “works 24/7 to protect America from health, safety, and security threats both foreign and in the U.S.” (CDC.gov). The translation with the current COVID-19 pandemic is that if the CDC recommends it, the government enforces it, then it is your duty as an American citizen to follow it.

Image from John Hopkins University
#FlattenTheCurve

What can YOU do to help fight COVID-19?

If you have symptoms (fever, persistent cough, shortness of breath) or suspect you may have been exposed to COVID-19, call your doctor, local ER, or visit a drive-thru testing center. To limit the risk of spread, do NOT go to the Emergency Department- CALL FIRST! Note: per the CDC, symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure
Practice Good Hygiene. Now more than ever… Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap & water, cover your mouth/nose with a tissue when coughing/sneezing, avoid touching your face altogether
Social Distancing. Limit/avoid interactions with large groups & especially those who are sick. For those at a higher risk, it is best to just stay home during this time to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus & only leave when necessary. Researchers say the highest risk population includes those >60 years old with preexisting conditions including heart disease, diabetes, compromised immune systems, etc.
Be a Good Neighbor. If you know of an elderly or high risk person who is in need of supplies from the store, offer a helping hand during this difficult time. High risk individuals- please don’t be afraid to ask for help in your community if you need it.
Disinfect Surfaces. Experts say COVID-19 can live up to 72 hours on surfaces. Disinfect surfaces daily with a EPA-registered household disinfectant. Be sure to frequently clean your cell phone, too!
Boost your immune system. Consume a well rounded diet of fruits & vegetables, whole grains, & protein. Aim to drink 2L of water per day. For an added boost, try out my favorite greens super food that I recommend to everyone, Opti-Greens 50 (free shipping included).

What NOT to do

Hoard an unnecessary amount of food & household items, limiting supplies for others
Spread false news & negative comments on social media
Panic. If the media is causing increased anxiety, limit your device exposure & prioritize your mental health

People’s true colors show in stressful, uncertain times. Set a good example for others around you & most importantly, always choose kindness.

COVID-19 in the Hospital System

Yes, we are beginning to see confirmed and suspected cases of COVID-19 within the United States hospital systems. As nurses, our main concern is risk for exposure as we are currently experiencing a critical shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), specifically n95 & surgical masks. The COVID-19 PPE requirements are seemingly continuously changing by day & supplies, including masks, are being rationed & securely locked up by hospital management. Even after special permission to use a single mask, we have been instructed that we must reuse the same mask for the entirety of our 12 hour shift. We are begging everyone to please stop stealing, hoarding, & reselling masks that healthcare providers desperately need to take care of patients in critical condition. If we become infected, who will care for those who need it, then? Visitor restrictions are now in place indicating that only 1 person may visit a patient at a time. For confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients, no visitors are allowed.

While many people are being directed to stay home if they feel sick, please do not avoid seeking necessary medical attention for other life threatening signs & symptoms such as chest pain, severe abdominal pain, shortness of breath, syncope, heart fluttering, lethargy, confusion, slurred speech, bleeding, etc. Call 911 or your healthcare provider immediately if you are in need of help.

Staying Sane at Home

Complete a puzzle
Read a new book
Online shop & support a local small business
Whip up a new recipe
Spring clean & organize one room each day
Try this FREE At Home Workout Program
Play or learn a new card/board game
Meditate using the Calm app
Order takeout from a local restaurant
Call a different friend or family member everyday
Write in a journal thoughts, feelings, & anything on your mind
Watch a new movie, documentary, or television series
Complete a Pinterest Do-It-Yourself (DIY) project
Wash all bedsheets, blankets, & towels
Hangout with friends via video chat
Go for a walk or run around the neighborhood
Take a virtual museum tour
Learn a new language- download the Duolingo app for Spanish

While many lives have & continue to be drastically affected by the current pandemic, these government restrictions are imperative to help slow & eventually stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. As we watch news reports & death tolls rising from across the pond, our country is urgently making efforts to help minimize & brace for an unexpected impact to our citizens. Our economy may be temporarily struggling, but the safety of all citizens, regardless of age and risk, is top priority at this time. With a unified effort, as a country we can drastically stop the spread of the coronavirus & #FlattenTheCurve for those affected by COVID-19.