Coronavirus and Home Health workers, What you need to know

By David MacQueen
‎November ‎11, ‎2020 ‏‎10:56 am ET


We understand Home health care workers are on the frontlines of healthcare for some of our most vulnerable citizens. Episode Alert wants to make sure you have the correct information on what you can do not only to protect yourself but also your elderly patients


Currently, we are all aware of China’s current healthcare crisis with the COVID-19 (Coronavirus), with over 80,026 confirmed cases in CHINA and over 90,000 cases worldwide as of the writing of this article.


The estimated death to the Coronavirus has reached 3,000


Healthcare workers who deal with Elderly patients must stay up to date on everything going on in this current crisis, but no need worry. Episode Alert will be there to help.


As of right now, it has been reported the symptoms of the coronavirus are very close to the symptoms of the common flu.


The big indicators would be fever, fatigue and dry cough. These symptoms can appear anywhere from 2-14 days.


It should be noted that people who have been infected with Coronavirus rarely seem to have the following:

  1. - Sneezing

  2. - Running nose

  3. - Sore throat

Only 5% of COVID-19 infections have been observed with the mentioned symptoms.


When dealing with the elderly we always have to be hyper-aware of what they are feeling, even with mild symptoms that most of the population can easily overcome with rest and fluids, there is the risk an elderly patient can come down with pneumonia.

When something like the coronavirus happens it is up to healthcare professionals like yourself to take those extra steps and be very aware of what your patient is feeling. We all know people like to downplay the way they are feeling and it is up to you to make sure they are ok.


Here are some good guidelines for keeping yourself and your patients safe:

  1. - Whenever you are visiting a new patient make sure your hands have been thoroughly washed.

  2. - If you deal with patients in there home you should have plenty of surgical masks and gloves ready to protect you both.

  3. - Have a hand sanitizer with you for easy access.

  4. - Take each patient temperature to make sure they do not have a fever or a sore throat.

Take special note of any of your patients that have one or more of these conditions:

  1. - Cardiovascular disease

  2. - Diabetes

  3. - Chronic respiratory disease

  4. - Hypertension

If any of your patients have one or more of these conditions, please make a note of it and check up with them regularly until the virus has been contained.

  1. - Wash your hands on a regular basis

  2. - Try not to touch your eyes, mouth or nose before washing hands

  3. - And try to limit your physical contact with others for the time being.

We hope this information helps you and we will keep you updated and any further developments in regards to this issue.