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Avoiding Infection

Many of our patients have a compromised immune system that puts them at greater risk for developing infections like colds, flu, and coronavirus (COVID-19). Here are some ways you can avoid getting sick:

  • Avoid crowds.
  • Wash your hands frequently with lots of soap. Scrub—including your thumbs—for as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” or the ABC song twice.
  • Use liquid soap in a pump bottle rather than bar soap.
  • Do not share towels, napkins, or other personal items.
  • Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol often.
  • Do not touch your face, eyes, and nose. If you must, use a tissue.
  • Clean surfaces that others have touched—shopping carts, doorknobs, handrails, bathroom fixtures, kitchen counters—with bleach or alcohol wipes.
  • Avoid shaking hands, if possible. A quick fist bump or a little bow are preferable ways to greet others.
  • Have a couple weeks supply of your medications and groceries on hand so you don’t need to go to the store so often.
  • Wearing a mask is only helpful if you are sick so you don’t infect others. Masks are recommended for those who are sick and care for an elderly person or someone who has a compromised immune system.

If you develop a fever or cough:

  • Call your doctor but don’t rush off to the office, emergency room, or urgent care center where you might infect others. According to the CDC, you should stay home if you are sick.
  • Experts at the Immune Deficiency Foundation say treatment at the hospital or doctor’s office is the same as you can do at home: drink fluids, treat fever with ibuprofen or acetaminophen, stay in bed, and get lots of TLC. And if you have an inhaler, use it if you need it.
  • Of course, if your symptoms become worse and you are unable to control them (for example shortness of breath that doesn’t resolve), by all means go to the ER.
  • If you need to go to the ER, call ahead to let them know you are on the way so they can be prepared to isolate you from others.

Complete information about COVID-19, its status around the world, and how individuals and communities can navigate the challenges can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website

The Immune Deficiency Foundation offers a very helpful video and other resources.

If you have questions, you can call CSI Pharmacy 24/7/365 at 883-569-1005.

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