Why Self-Isolation Is A Good Idea For Disabled Parking Permit Holders With A Respiratory Illness During COVID-19
It’s completely understandable that people around the world are experiencing a great deal of anxiety about coronavirus (COVID-19). More information is becoming available constantly, so it can be confusing to keep track of everything we should be doing to protect ourselves against the disease.
At this point, we know that basically everyone could be at risk of catching COVID-19. However, there are some segments of the population that are at an even greater risk. One of the most at-risk groups is those who are immunocompromised or those that already have pre-existing conditions, especially ones that affect their respiratory systems. If you own a disabled parking permit, it’s likely that your disability makes you more vulnerable to both catching the disease and developing more severe symptoms.
As a member of a more vulnerable population, it’s essential that you understand the possible risks, as well as begin to take steps to help lower your risk. These can include social distancing or self-quarantine or isolation. Read on to learn why self-isolation is a good idea for disabled parking permit holders during coronavirus.
Are people with respiratory illness more at risk from CV-19?
At this time, researchers believe that COVID-19 does mainly affect the respiratory system. That’s why symptoms to look out for include a cough, trouble breathing, and a fever. Many folks who suffer from respiratory illnesses (such as asthma, COPD, lung cancer, etc.) already have weakened respiratory systems that could be even more significantly impacted by the virus. Additionally, there are people with preexisting respiratory conditions that require the use of portable oxygen.
If you have a disabled parking permit because of your respiratory illness or because you need oxygen, you are at a much greater risk of developing more severe symptoms of COVID-19.
What does self-isolation mean?
You’re probably hearing a lot of new terms being used in relation to coronavirus. One of those is the phrase “social distancing”. This means spending less time around other people whenever possible, avoiding places where people gather (restaurants, clubs, gyms, movie theaters, etc.), and trying to spend as much time as possible at home. That’s why many workplaces are requiring their employees to work from home and why many schools are closing.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) currently recommends that people not attend events where there are more than 25 people (in places like Los Angeles County, the recommendation is no more than 10 people). Social distancing is not as harsh as self-quarantine or self-isolation, but it does involve making a concerted effort to minimize your interactions with others as much as possible.
Self-isolation and self-quarantine can pretty much be used interchangeably. These phrases mean that you do not leave your home for a period of time – typically for at least 14 days, or until the risk of catching the disease has lowered significantly. Many people are doing this to help stop the further spread of the disease or to help lessen their risk of contracting it personally. Self-isolating means that you don’t leave your home at all, even for buying supplies, and you don’t make contact with anyone except those living with you.
If you’re experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 at all, the CDC recommends you stay inside your home for at least 14 days and only leave if you’re seeking medical care. You should also limit your contact with those in your home, including pets.
Image by CDC on Unsplash: Many people are trying to avoid contracting COVID-19 by practicing self-isolation.
Why is it a good idea for high-risk candidates to self-isolate during an outbreak?
If you’re wondering, “Should I self-isolate if I have a respiratory condition during HCoV-19?”, the answer is probably yes. Initial reports seem to indicate that those with pre-existing conditions are much harder hit by the disease. Because there isn’t a vaccine or foolproof treatment at this time, the government and the CDC are recommending that those with medical conditions take extra precautions by practicing self-isolation if possible.
If you’re a high-risk candidate or you have a respiratory illness, it’s best to start staying home and avoiding contact with the outside world now. Order groceries or meals to be delivered to your home, buy supplies online, and try to stay at least six feet away from people if you venture outside for even a short amount of time. If you need help around the house or require assistance from a caregiver, try to keep your distance from them. Have them wear gloves, if possible, to avoid leaving germs on surfaces or on your skin, as well as a face mask to avoid spreading germs. Make sure you’re washing your hands thoroughly, using hand sanitizer, and disinfecting surfaces in your home as often as possible.
There are many reasons why self-isolation is a good idea for disabled parking permit holders with a respiratory illness during COVID-19. You might be able to help stop the spread of the virus to others in your community, while also boosting your chances of not contracting it yourself. This is not the time to panic or overreact, but it is a time when we can all practice more caution. If possible, begin self-isolating today to lower your chance of worsening your respiratory condition and/or contracting COVID-19.
Featured image by Anthony Tran on Unsplash