With a lot of precautions about COVID-19 in the news and many of us falling into the vulnerable category, we have created a short list of tips for amputees during this time.
Self-Isolation
Self isolation is a new play on word that negatively affect our community since we encourage socializing is key in our recovery. But you have to understand that at this time, it is a means to minimize and limit the risk of exposing ourselves and others to the virus. It will be even harder for some of us especially for those who rely on family members or neighbours that assist us with getting things from the stores or to get us to places or appointments. Understand that they are on self-isolation too.
Technology can still keep us social. Face time with friends and family. Check on family and friends who may need it more – like those in senior homes or care facilities. We are only physically distancing ourselves from each for now, but we can still be very social. It’s good for our mental health too.
Medical Bag
We’ve shared some tips on medical bags in the past, but here are some of the key items that you should definitely have in your medical bag:
- Alcohol swabs, isopropyl alcohol, hand sanitizer, disinfectant Wipes
- Band-aids
- Polysporin or ointment gels for minor cuts and wounds
- Gauze
- Medical tape
Make sure your medications are filled and you have repeats in case your doctor gets busy attending to more urgent care patients.
Your prosthetist may not be readily available as well as they may cut hours due to employees self-isolating or have office closures.
Do not get upset. You should be at home self-isolating too, so don’t worry about your prosthetic in the meantime. If it’s too painful right now to wear it and you can’t get an adjustment or see your prosthetist, minimize wearing it for now to minimize your risk of getting sick.
Practice Hand Hygiene
The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided amazing materials for hand washing hygiene including singing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song twice to ensure we wash our hands for at least 20 seconds. Frequent hand washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (if you’re not sensitive to it) should do the trick.
Where to get information
Please do not rely only on social media to get your information on COVID-19. Most items shared on social media do not come from reliable sources. Double check the sources where information was shared from and check with the following web sites to ensure you are getting the correct information:
– World Health Organization (WHO)
– For Ontario: Ministry of Health Ontario
Reduce your risk
- Follow self isolation or self distancing instructions and guidelines. Try not to break self isolation or self distancing guidelines.
- Avoid or minimize travel and non-essential travel internationally including the United States.
- Avoid crowded areas or events (if not yet cancelled), which includes airports, planes, trains, buses and border crossings.
- If you have recently come back from a trip, self isolate and quarantine for at least 14 days and report your return to Public Health.
- If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, call your local Telehealth (1 866-797-0000 for Ontario) and wait for instructions whether or not to go to a designated testing centre (Toronto Testing Centres) before going to your doctor, walk-in clinic or Emergency Room.
And above all, take care of yourself. Wash your hands and avoid large crowds. Don’t panic. We’re all in this together and we can all help each other beat this pandemic.
