The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been a frustrating period for everyone, in large part due to the sometimes conflicting public safety information presented to the public as medical professionals learned more about the deadly virus.

As summer ends and we enter the 2020-21 flu season with the threat of the pandemic still present in our daily lives, now is an important time to take stock of the “lessons learned” from earlier in the year and combine that information with what we already know about influenza and the common cold.

In order to best protect yourself and your family, be sure to continue to follow the following guidelines, which will lower your risk of exposure to the common cold, influenza and COVID-19:

• Continue to wear a mask or face covering when outside your home
• Wash your hands frequently, especially before meals and when entering your home
• Observe social distancing
• Avoid unnecessary travel and large gatherings
• Know your normal temperature and have a thermometer in your home for every person in your household

If you begin to feel unwell, take steps to isolate yourself from others and contact your medical care provider to arrange a COVID test, even if you are unsure of your exact symptoms.  The virus presents itself differently in everyone, but taking steps to limit the spread of any illness is critical to public safety at this time.

Below are a list of common symptoms for COVID-19, Influenza (flu) and the common cold:

COVID-19

• High fever (around 102 or 103 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Cough (sometimes it can be identified as a deep, dry cough)
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Headache and body aches
• Loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion
• Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea

The Flu

• High fever (around 102 or 103 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Stuffy nose
• Headache and/or body aches
• Fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea

The Common Cold

• Sinus congestion
• Stuffy nose
• Post-nasal drip
• Sore throat
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Moderate temperature (around 100 to 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

Being personally informed is important, but be ready to ask for professional help if you begin to feel unwell in the coming months.  COVID-19 symptoms can change in severity quickly, so erring on the side of caution is still the best choice you can make.

SelectCare has provided in-home care to clients throughout the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to the incredible work of our caregivers, administrators and the trust and confidence of our clients and families.  We thank everyone for their ongoing dedication to public safety during these challenging times.

If you are concerned about your wellbeing or the wellbeing of a loved one during the pandemic, call SelectCare or request a free in-home care guide to learn how we support our clients and their families.

During the fourth (4^th) quarter, SelectCare continues to educate field staff in appropriate infection control, we offer flu vaccines to our staff and continue to monitor and update patient care practices according to the current CDC and NYS DOH regulations.