Our Parish Nurse, Ann Yeo, originally conveyed to you early information about the predominant symptoms of Coronavirus infection (COVID-19):

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

She subsequently learned that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified 6 additional possible symptoms that may accompany this .infection:

• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

Someone with the infection probably will not have all those symptoms, but various combinations, with fever and respiratory symptoms most common.

If you are concerned about yourself or a family member (but you or they do not feel acutely ill), contact your primary care provider’s office for advice.

If you have any of these emergency warning signs, get medical attention immediately*:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

*Call 911, and notify the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a cloth face covering before medical help arrives.

Please remember: The majority of people who get the COVID-19 infection do not become acutely (seriously) ill, but their recovery may take several weeks (longer than we previously thought). However, those who are older, and those who have pre-existing medical problems, are at greater risk of serious illness from the infection.

As we all know now, essential practices that reduce our chance of acquiring, or spreading, the infection, include:

• Frequent, meticulous hand-washing, or use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Covering our coughs and sneezes
• Social distancing
• Wearing a face mask in public, especially if it’s hard to maintain social distancing

And let us not forget other ways that may help us to remain healthy:

• Plenty of fruits and vegetables in our diet
• Some form of exercise most days of the week
• Regular exposure to nature and fresh air
• Stress-reduction practices, such as regular meditation or quiet contemplation
• Maintaining social connectedness (even while practicing social distancing) – via social media, phone calls, and participation in on-line worship services as well as other Zoom’ed events at OUUC.

Finally, let us know if you could use some support from your faith community.

-Ann Yeo, RN, MSN, Certified Holistic Nurse