Facilities offering short-term senior care services in Georgia work diligently to protect their residents, staff, employees, and visitors against Novel Coronavirus. Officially called “COVID-19”, the illness continues to concern everyone. It poses significant challenges for health care workers and patients today for at least three reasons:
One: The COVID-19 Virus Produces Variable Symptoms
The United States Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) reports that COVID-19 impacts people in variable ways. Some patients experience severe illness with this disease. They may run a fever, and contend with coughing and shortness of breath. On the other hand, other patients experience mild symptoms.
Its variability creates challenges in controlling this virus. People who don’t realize they have contracted the illness sometimes pursue busy schedules. They risk inadvertently spreading the virus to others, unless they take social distancing precautions and wear personal protective equipment (like masks). The CDC urges anyone who has contracted the virus to stay home except for seeking medical care. They should avoid using public transportation.
Two: COVID-19 Remains Poorly Understood
The virus also poses challenges for caregivers because it remains a new type of infectious disease. Scientists currently work to develop a vaccine against COVID-19. Researchers report learning new information about the Novel Coronavirus on a daily basis.
For example, one interesting finding about this virus came to light recently. Several studies report COVID-19 causes anosmia, an inability to discern odors. Some researchers in the U.K. note this discovery might eventually help identify potentially asymptomatic carriers of the virus.
Three: The Pandemic Has Burdened Health Care Infrastructures Nationwide
The pandemic caused significant disruptions in every state, including Georgia. Nationwide, between January 20 and April 3, the total number of reported cases reached 245,601. This figure alarms health departments, because the actual number of undetected cases may prove far higher. Georgia reported 5,444 cases and 176 deaths from COVID-19 as of April 4th.
The rapid spread of the virus currently challenges health care providers and treatment facilities. In some places, demand outstrips the supply of available personal protective equipment. While hospitals treat the most seriously ill individuals, long and short term care facilities also work hard to help safeguard vulnerable populations against this new threat. Employees in these facilities sincerely appreciate the cooperation and understanding of visitors and patient family members during this very difficult period!