Coronavirus: Have a plan if you get sick

• Have phone and email contact information on hand to connect with people who can be of assistance should you become ill.
• Speak with your doctor about getting extra medicines to ensure you have what you need if you can’t get out.  Or, find a way to get your prescription drugs through mail-0rder.
• Make sure to have necessary over-the-counter medicines and supplies if you fall ill. For example you should have medicines to treat a fever or stomach problems.
• Keep extra household supplies and pantry items in case you can’t leave home or no one is able to bring supplies to you.
• If possible, avoid going out; ask family and friends to help bring what you need to your home.
• Consider ways of getting medications and food brought to your house through family, social, or commercial networks.
• Identify someone to take care of your pets should you get sick.

To be safe, stay at home as much as you can. Wash your hands and clean and disinfect surfaces regularly. And, if you are in the company of others, stay at least six feet away and wear a mask. Also, check in with your local public health department. There may be community actions that are warranted to minimize the community’s exposure to the virus and contain its spread.

If you have any questions or concerns about your health, contact your doctor immediately. Medicare now covers the full range of telemedicine services, meaning that you can “see” your doctor via the telephone or computer, without having to leave your home.

Here’s more from Just Care:

• Coronavirus: It’s causing heart problems
• Coronavirus: Have you lost your sense of smell?
• Coronavirus: Watch out for Medicare fraud
• Coronavirus: Update on Medicare Advantage and other coverage
• Coronavirus: Medicare coverage