Are you a caregiver in an Adult Family Home (AFH) in Washington? Read on for information. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states “When respiratory viruses are spreading in the community, the risk for spread in long-term care (LTC) settings, including nursing homes, increases as well.” COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, the flu, or pneumonia. Staff in AFHs should recognize the symptoms of COVID-19 to prevent and slow the spread of the virus. Read about the common symptoms of COVID-19 so you can recognize the signs of this highly contagious virus.

Did you know people who get COVID-19 can have a wide range of symptoms? Not everyone experiences the same symptoms when they have COVID-19. One person might only lose their sense of smell while the next person might have several symptoms such as a sore throat, cough and difficulty breathing. The severity of COVID-19 symptoms can also vary from mild to extreme. After someone is exposed to the COVID-19 virus, symptoms may appear anywhere from 2-14 days later.

Here are the common symptoms of COVID-19 per the CDC:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. Since the COVID-19 virus is constantly changing and evolving into new variants, the symptoms people experience may also change. The CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19.

If someone has COVID-19 and you witness them experiencing these emergency warning signs, follow Washington Administrative Code WAC 388-76-10250 for medical emergencies:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent 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

Be aware, this list does not include all possible emergency warning symptoms. Early detection of the COVID-19 virus in Adult Family Homes is crucial. According to CDC, “Older adults are at the highest risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. More than 81% of COVID-19 deaths occur in people over age 65.” Adult Family Homes must take the necessary precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19 once someone contracts the virus. The safety and wellbeing of staff members and residents will always be a top priority for all Adult Family Homes.

For more information about the COVID-19 virus, visit COVID-19 Recovery Program – PIM Savvy or COVID-19 | Washington State Department of Health. If you experience an outbreak of COVID-19 in your home AFH Council members can call or email the Council for information about reporting requirements and protocols in AFHs. www.Adultfamilyhomecouncil.org or 360-754-3329.

This article is made possible in part by the Washington State Department of Health through a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Resources
Symptoms of COVID-19 | CDC
Long-Term Care Quick Start Guide: Preparing for Respiratory Virus Season | CDC