Multi-Generational Household Tips During COVID-19 Pandemic
Those who live in a multi-generational household need to be cautious during the COVID-19 pandemic. A multi-generational household is when more than two generations (grandparents, children, and grandchildren) are living under the same roof. COVID-19 can quickly spread to everyone in the household if one person gets the virus. The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County encourages those who live in multi-generational households to:
- Stay at home and away from crowds.
- Make sure you have access to several weeks of medications and supplies so you don’t have to go out of the home.
- When you go out in public, keep at least 6 feet away from others. Do not go to places where people are sick.
- Wash your hands frequently.
If someone in your home is sick with COVID-19:
- Call DOH-Hillsborough at 813-307-8000 and ask to speak to someone in Epidemiology.
- Have everyone continue to practice good handwashing methods as described above.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces, doorknobs and other commonly touched surfaces with common household disinfectants daily.
- Remind everyone to avoid touching their face, and cover coughs and sneezes with the inside of their elbow or with a tissue, and then throw the tissue away.
- As best as possible, isolate the individual with COVID-19 in a separate bedroom and bathroom away from others.
- Take care of the emotional health of your family, including yourself.
- Avoid sharing personal items like phones, dishes, bedding, or toys.
If caring for a sick household member monitor for emergency signs, like:
- Trouble breathing.
- Continual pain or pressure in the chest.
- New confusion.
- Bluish lips or face.
Prevent the spread of germs:
- Avoid sharing personal household items, like dishes, towels, and bedding.
- Have the sick person wear a facemask (if available). If sick individuals are unable to wear a facemask, the individual caring for the sick should wear a facemask when in contact with them.
- Have them use a separate bathroom (if possible).
- Avoid having any unnecessary visitors.
Treat symptoms:
- Make sure individuals with COVID-19 drinks a lot of fluids to stay hydrated and rests at home.
- Use over-the-counter medicines to help with symptoms. For most people, symptoms last a few days and get better after a week.