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Covid

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Serious question

4 replies

SubordinateThatClause · 21/03/2020 07:26

I'm a single parent, no close family nearby. Friends have young children/ vulnerable people in family etc.

WTF happens if I get it? My mind is overrun with thoughts of my kids here with me when really ill and no medical help.

OP posts:
Bookworm83 · 21/03/2020 07:31

Are your children old enough to call 999 should things get really bad?

I'm convinced I have it (got temperature and sore throat) and I'm self isolating with my husband, but I'm also heavily pregnant and therefore quite worried. But I've been told not to call anyone unless I can no longer cope with my symptoms.

SubordinateThatClause · 21/03/2020 07:33

They are but I doubt they would send an ambulance to me unless dire as hospitals are already overwhelmed.

Who would look after them?

OP posts:
janeskettle · 21/03/2020 07:41

That's very scary for you, I understand. Unmumsnetty hugs. How old are your kids?

First, some logical thinking. You may not get it. If you get it, it may be mild or moderate. You may have two uncomfortable weeks where the kids eat cereal for dinner and watch TV non stop. Most people will not have severe symptoms and need hospitalisation.

OK. Now, plan for the worst case scenarios. The likelihood they will happen is close to zero, but it can help to have a plan.

Do the kids know how and when to call emergency services ? If not, teach them (if verbal). Are there any trustworthy neighbours around who could ensure your children's safety short term in an emergency? If so, can you ask them to be an emergency contact at this time?

Talk to friends. While they might not be happy to have your children now, I bet at least some would take the kids in an emergency ie you are extremely sick.

Your aim here is for someone to be able to call emergency services, for people to know there are children in the house who need to be cared for if you become seriously and suddenly ill.

Back to likely scenarios. Imagine you geot a bad flu that requires two weeks rest. What plans can you put in place for your children now? Do you have a playpen (if littlies)? Can you make a box of 'to play when mum is sick' toys? Do you have panadol for fever and ache? Can you make and freeze some soup so there is food is you are too unwell to cook? If your kids are older, can they make toast, tea, warm up baked beans etc? If not, teach them now.

When calm, sit down and brainstorm a list of ways to prepare for being moderately unwell at home for a time, and your emergency plan for...well...an emergency.

Megan2018 · 21/03/2020 07:51

Before Coronavirus what would have happened if you were rushed to hospital for any reason? Either family/friends would step up or social services will arrange temporary care I assume?
Same applies now.

Odds of anyone needing hospital treatment is really rare-terrifying I know but it really is tiny. Even people with underlying conditions aren’t automatically badly affected.

Do practical things to help with anxiety- try and source food the children could eat if you were ill. Make sure they know how to call for help. Keeo in regular contact with family/friends so they will know if there’s a problem. E.g. my parents each live alone-we will be doing scheduled calls so I’ll know if there’s an issue (they can be rearranged but if no answer at a specific time it’s a red flag).

Worrying about this is totally normal but try not to let it take over. Focus on what you can control (I am trying this myself).

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