The Sick Room

This is National Influenza Vaccination Week (see related article, “Vaccination Vacillation,”  (http://caregiver2caregiver.blogspot.com/2010/11/vaccination-vacillation.html ), and caregivers need to think about what they will do if the person they are caring for – or anyone else in the home – becomes sick with the flu.  The Center for Disease Control suggests an early course of action is creating a sick room – essentially, cordoning off a separate room in the home for the person with flu, to limit the potential for the flu to spread.

What are some of the essentials for a sick room?  CDC advises:

·        Tissues!

·        Trash can with a disposable plastic liner and lid

·        Alcohol-based hand cleanser

·        Bedside pitcher with water and ice

·        Straws or squeeze bottles for drinking

·        Thermometer

·        Humidifier

·        Facemasks (for the sick person and the caregiver)

Many of these supplies and precautions are essential for the room of any sick person.

CDC reminds us that it is important to reduce all unnecessary traffic into and out of a sick room while the flu persists, and for the caregiver to wash his hands after contact with the sick person, with his/her tissues, dishware, and laundry.  (This week is also National Handwashing Awareness Week.)

During this holiday season, it is important to ask family and friends to delay visiting if they are sick with a cold or flu.  Likewise, inform potential guests if you or your loved one is ill.