7 May - Covid Update

As we continue to deal with Covid, I am witnessing a whole variety of situations - at home, with friends and colleagues, neighbours, our parent body and so much more.

My takeaways so far -

1. Maintain a positive outlook as far as humanly possible, especially if you are able to manage with homecare. Stress helps no one, on the contrary, it may be detrimental to your health and those close to you.

2. Help those that you can - with verified leads, medicines, hospital beds etc. I have personally seen my networks rally and bring help wherever needed.

3. Mask up! Please do not assume that you are safe just because you have been vaccinated or one report has come in negative. Till the virus can incubate, you are at risk, especially if there is even one case at home. Watch out for any symptoms, and even if there are no symptoms, maintain your chart - temperature, SPO2, pulse and any medication (even if just supplements) prescribed by your doctor.

4. Find a doctor - one who is available on call whenever you need them. Set up paid private consultations/packages. Scrambling for a doctor in emergency may lead to high levels of stress and perhaps avoidable delays.

5. The doctors are pretty overwhelmed too - they are unable to assess if the reports coming to them are right or wrong. While one report may indicate a spike, another may show you well within the normal ranges. In such a case, your doctor is likely to prescribe treatment based on what you tell them in conjunction with what your reports are saying. Listen to them, and please be patient. They are trying to do the best that they can given the circumstances while potentially acting like your counsellor too.

6. As our doctor said, remember that you are caregiver not caretaker. Things like keeping the house spic and span or cooking elaborate meals can take a backseat. While taking care of those more in need, remember to take care of yourself too and monitor your own vitals as well. It will help no one if you fall sicker because you forgot to look after yourself. Health first.

More in due course. Take each day at a time, stay vigilant till your doctor clears you.

Stay health, speedy recovery to all who are suffering, deepest condolences to those who have lost a near and dear one.

Up Next - Communicating with Your Child - The Role of Online Homeschooling

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