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I'm high-risk with asthma. How to stay safe with viruses?

Asthma | Last Active: Apr 25, 2020 | Replies (65)

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@sueinmn

@merpreb I will try to be selective about coming out of isolation too. For over a month we have been sheltered in place, but reallyy had started "contracting" before that, stopping outings to church and other crowds. I venture out only rarely to the grocery, my husband to pick up takeout. When we return home it will become very difficult, as our children and grandchildren will be so close but still unattainable. Our house will be supplied with necessities for us by a friend before we arrive.

The scariest thing for us is our 1500 mile road trip next week - we are preparing with food for the car, and equipping it to sleep inside if possible (weather will determine that.) The only stops will be for gas and restroom breaks, and we are well-supplied with disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, masks and gloves. Those who have traveled ahead of us report that rest stops and truck stops are open on our route, and are being liberal about allowing travelers to stop and sleep in the car.

At home we will quarantine ourselves for 2 weeks, but my gardens will keep us very busy, and I have most planting supplies on hand to get started. By that time, we will hopefully be able to safely reschedule all the cancelled medical appointments and tests...I have high hopes for safety since our clinic closed early on to walk in traffic, have been using telemed or referring those who must be seen to special sites. It seems really weird to have docs go back to "prescribing by phone" for common ailments after all the years they tried to stop doing that.

After that, it will be a decision process based on (perceived) ability to be safe and maintain distance. We have already cancelled summer plans that involve crowds, and asked our early-summer guests to cancel their trips to our home. It will be a strange time indeed.

Another decision point for us will be the holidays next year, when we typically fly home to Minnesota to be with family - we need to decide whether we will take that risk, or make the drive...
I fear that "normal" is in the distant future
Sue

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Replies to "@merpreb I will try to be selective about coming out of isolation too. For over a..."

@sueinmn, It sounds as though you have prepared well and thoughtfully for your long trip home. Really good to hear that rest stops and truck stops are open on your route.

As for your return and the garden that awaits, you will have much to do in that regard. I am far behind my usual timeline this year, in part due to erratic and later weather changes and in part because I seem more lethargic and less "eager" than usual because of our new circumstances.

Like you and many others, my plans and that of my family and close friends for summer trips, visits and activities have all been put on hold or cancelled now.

My daughter received a letter from the park our boys have been going to for several years. It was very informative about possible plans and what they were doing to prepare but also presented factual info. with everything still to be determined at a later date.