Strategy for Quarantine Life

Since the age of cavemen, Men have learned to socialize as a method of survival. Now in this new age of COVID-19 pandemic, we are told to distance ourselves from each other as a method of survival. And this unforeseen and unexpected separation is causing a lot of anxiety.

With so many people feeling anxious about COVID-19 and about staying isolated, I wanted to share with you how I manage being isolated in this time of the pandemic. 



I live with a simple motto in my life: “Hope for the best and prepare for the worst”. First, please know that I am not a doctor. This is simply a list of the things I made for my own use to guide me if/or when I might have to take care of myself or my family members in the event of COVID-19. I like to have a plan in place in the event of the worst scenario.

Below you will find information on:
1. What is COCID-19/Coronaviruses.
2. What is the different symptoms from Cold, Flu and COVID-19.
3. What expect with COVID-19 and when to go to the hospital.
4. How to safeguard yourself from the virus.



Firstly, what kind of virus is COVID-19 (aka coronaviruses):
This virus attacks the lining in your airways causing repeated coughs. If the infection progresses, it clogs the lungs with mucus and fluid making it more difficult to breathe. Symptoms may show within 2-14 days after being exposed to the virus. Not all COVID-19 is fatal. If you have other underlining medical condition or is a smoker, then it can have a more serious effect.
1. What to expect: (Source: CDC.gov/coronavirus)
Mild symptoms feel a lot like flu or common colds such as coughs, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, chest tightness, body aches, fatigue, headache, low-grade fever, chills, and diarrhea. And few don’t even feel or show any symptoms. For mild symptoms, you do not need to go to the hospital. Stay home and stay in your room away from your family members and pets until you get better. (Personally, I rather am in my own house than in over-crowed hospital) If possible, use separate bathrooms and disinfect after each use.

The mucus that builds up in your nose or throat while you lay down can irritate your throat, so sleep on an incline by propping some extra pillows under your head and let the gravity do its job. (Source: Good Housekeeping)
2. How long do you isolate yourself when you have mild symptoms: (Source: CDC.gov)
7 days from the time you started showing your first symptom. How do you know if you are improving? When you have no fever for at least 3 days or 72 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication AND when other symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath have improved.

3. How to Disinfect: (Source: CDC.gov)
Use diluted household bleach solutions if appropriate for the surface. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. To make a bleach solution, mix 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water OR 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water. If you do not have bleach, use alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol.

4. Household cleaners and disinfectants:
Clean the area or item with soap and water or another detergent if it is dirty. Then, use a household disinfectant. Follow the instructions on the label to ensure the safe and effective use of the product. Keeping the surface wet for several minutes to ensure germs are killed. Make sure to wear gloves and have good ventilation during the use of the product.

5. When to go to the hospital: (Source: CDC.gov)
Severe symptoms are shortness of breath and/or difficulty breathing, pressure in the chest, inability to wake, bluish lips or face or high fever (you feel hot to touch on your chest or back). Call 911 or call the hospital that you are coming in with symptoms of COVID-19. Wear a face mask before leaving the house to limit exposure to others.

6. Safeguard yourself from the virus: (Source: The information contained here is based on the research I made for my personal use. I am not a medical professional, therefore please exercise your due care. Where the source information is available, I have included them for your use.)

A. Drink lots of hot liquids, warm water, tea, coffee, and soups.
B. Gargle with antiseptic in warm water: Salt, lemon and vinegar. It enters your body through your throat, and it can last up 3 days. Do this especially if you feel a sore throat coming on.
C. Wash and shower after spending time outside. The virus attaches themselves to hair and clothes. Soaps and detergent washes away the virus. Avoid sitting on hard surface.
D. Any metallic surface the virus lives up to 9 days or more. (i.e. doorknobs & handrails)
E. Wash your hands 20 minutes with any soap that forms.
F. Eat your fruit and vegetable to elevate your vitamins. Take vitamin zinc, vitamin C and vitamin D.
G. Do not touch your face, eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Use only hand sanitizer that contains lease 70% alcohol. 
H. Keep at least 6 feet of distance between others. Stay at home. Unless you must buy food or medication- WEAR MASK! Practice social distancing.
I. Staying positive & getting regular sleep boots the immune system.
J. Avoid eating raw food and eat only properly cooked foods.


Remember to stay positive. Your mind is a powerful tool and if you let yourself down then it is harder to get your immunity up. Every generation had their share of hardships. But, this is the first time in history where our young people were not asked to go to war. Unlike the previous generations who faced two world wars, we can be within the comfort of our homes. If this virus happened twenty years ago around 9/11, we would not have the technology of the web device to be so well connected. There was no facetime, skype, Facebook, Instagram or Zoom. Our kids couldn’t learn on google classrooms. Even with this terrible virus, things could have been much worse. Instead of starting in the middle of winter as did China, we started near the Spring season when we have better weather. We could go for a walk around the house, at the least. What is happening is not ideal, but think of it as a time for learning, a time to take a moment from our previous busy lives to think about what is important. When we think positively, things are not so bad.

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