It’s easy to feel helpless when a friend or family member is curled up in bed with a fever, sore throat, cough, chills, or all of the above and more. Assuming you’re not a medical professional, you can only do so much to alleviate your friend’s symptoms. However, there are a multitude of ways that you can help them feel a little better. Scroll down to learn how to help someone who is sick – from practical assistance to compassionate emotional support.
How to Help Someone Who Is Sick
Simply be there.
First and foremost, let your friend or family member know that you’re thinking about them and want to help them feel better. This simple act will help them feel loved and supported.
Help them follow their doctor’s orders.
If your sick friend or family member hasn’t visited their doctor yet, encourage them to do so. Then, help them follow their doctor’s instructions regarding care and medicine. This may involve helping them fill prescriptions, picking up over-the-counter medicines, or persuading them to drink more fluids (especially water and clear liquids) to prevent dehydration. Most importantly, encourage them to rest so that their body can focus on fighting against the infection and recovering.
Watch for warnings signs.
Sometimes when a person is sick, they aren’t able to recognize when their condition has worsened. So if you notice that your friend is getting sicker, encourage them to call their doctor. And if you believe it’s a medical emergency, don’t hesitate to call 911. For example, if someone has COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that they seek emergency medical care immediately if they present any of the following symptoms:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent chest pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds (depending on skin tone)
- Any other symptoms that are severe or concerning for you
Help with minor chores.
Sometimes it’s the little things that help a person feel loved and appreciated when they’re unwell. If you help your sick friend with some minor chores, their body will be able to rest and focus on recovery. Try to be specific with your offer because your friend may feel awkward asking for help if they don’t know what you’re willing to do. For example, you could help with tasks like the following:
- Picking up groceries
- Dropping off a homecooked meal
- Babysitting or transporting a child to school or other activities
- Tidying up the house (washing dishes, vacuuming)
- Watering the garden or mowing the lawn
- Walking the dog
Offer to clean and disinfect their home.
If you’re caring for a member of your own household, you’ve likely already recognized how important it is that you clean and disinfect the house to prevent the illness from spreading. But even if you’re caring for a friend, you could offer to do some basic cleaning and disinfecting.
First, clean the house with a household cleaner that contains soap or detergent to get rid of germs. According to the CDC, it’s important to focus on high-touch surfaces and objects (doorknobs, tables, handles, light switches, phones, remote controls, and countertops). Then, disinfect the space using the ultra-convenient, easy-to-use SafeSpace Disinfecting & Deodorizing Misting System. The D&D Misting System kills 99.9 percent of surface germs, and one 16.5-ounce can treats approximately 1,200 square feet. To use it, you simply squeeze the full-grip Easy Misting Handle, which helps prevent finger fatigue. Plus, the D&D Misting System dries in less than 10 minutes and requires no wiping after application.
Not only will your sick friend or family member appreciate having a clean house, but also they’ll likely feel relieved that you’re helping them prevent the spread of those nasty germs.
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Finally, if you’re wondering how to help someone who is sick, don’t forget to watch out for your own health as well. Avoid face-to-face time with the sick person, and limit the amount of time you’re in close contact. In addition, wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, especially after touching the sick person or handling their tissues or laundry.
Good luck!
The SafeSpace Company is a family-owned small business proudly selling American-made products to keep your family safe and healthy. To avoid germs during the COVID-19 pandemic, stock up on disinfectant essentials with the SafeSpace Germ Fighter Kit. You’ll get everything you need to keep yourself and your family healthy. For more information about SafeSpace, visit our website or contact us online.
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