These are indeed uncertain and rapidly evolving times. Here are the changes that you need to know about Cara Direct Care and your ongoing care throughout the next few weeks of this pandemic crisis:
We will likely see a lot of the following symptoms in the next few weeks. Panic will not help, but it is good to be prepared. Our staff will be taking calls/emails and following those of you who are sick to help you through this.
1. MILD RESPIRATORY OR FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS including stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, low grade fever (99.5-101), cough, body aches and fatigue. Stay home and isolate yourself from family members as best you can. Cara Direct Care members should send us an email describing your symptoms including duration and description of temperature, cough and/or shortness of breath (and others included above), and if exposure to a positive case.
We will follow all respiratory cases every few days to keep track of their progress and provide reassurance, even if it seems like a common cold. Take Tylenol for fever and aches, increase fluids and rest.
2. MODERATE SYMPTOMS:
Fever 101 or higher, cough, mild chest tightness or shortness of breath - please call Cara Direct Care or your own physician. You will likely be monitored closely at home as much as possible and your physician will decide if/when you need to go to the hospital. You should not go to the ER unless you have discussed this with your physician or your symptoms are severe - see below.
3. SEVERE SYMPTOMS:
High fever with severe shortness of breath, trouble talking, very pale, clammy or blue, losing consciousness.
CALL 911!!! Do not call Cara Direct Care or your own physician- this is an emergency!
HOW CAN WE ALL BE PREPARED?
As this crisis deepens, we would like to empower you to have a plan. Consider purchasing the following items for your family especially if there is a high risk individual at home. Cara Direct Care will use these to monitor mild-moderate patients daily at home:
1. BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR:
iProven Home Blood Pressure Monitor - Digital Blood Pressure Meter with Upper Arm Cuff - Large Screen with Backlight - 120-reading Memory (60x2 Users) - Batteries Included
by 7GRetail
Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WFGBGWP/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_vyuDEb24H4AZA
2. PULSE OXIMETER:
Zacurate 500BL Fingertip Pulse Oximeter Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor with Batteries and Lanyard Included (Navy Blue)
by Beyond Med Shop
Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y2FFQB9/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_eCuDEbE49QA24
3. THERMOMETER:
This ear thermometer is excellent but digital under the tongue thermometers work just fine.
https://www.target.com/p/braun-thermoscan-ear-thermometer-with-exactemp-technology/-/A-16522288?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tgtao&CPNG=PLA_Baby%2BShopping_Local&adgroup=SC_Baby&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9021670&ds_rl=1242884&ds_rl=1246978&ds_rl=1246978&gclid=Cj0KCQjw09HzBRDrARIsAG60GP-2rB7FHj5VgHaa4vOAB0qBrecavkGOhS8V4u5C053KB_cmae1zpDoaAqE4EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
4. SUPPLEMENTS:
Please consider supplementing with Vitamin C 1 gram daily and Vitamin D 5000IU daily if you are not taking these already. Here is a reputable source and Cara Direct Care patients get a 10% discount.
https://www.thorne.com/u/PR195385
1. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) 1g daily
2. Vitamin D 5000IU daily.
5. LIFESTYLE:
Exercise daily, follow a regular sleep schedule and consider the HEADSPACE app for breathing exercises if the stress is getting too much.
Dr Clodagh Ryan
Family Physician/Owner
Cara Direct Care