In the beginning, it was ‘other people’. Now, it’s affecting our inner circle. Almost everyone knows someone who has caught ‘the Vid’, and with governments still (rightfully) requiring isolation for persons who contract COVID-19, getting a positive diagnosis can not just be physically challenging, but mentally and emotionally as well.
It’s not like you can even go over and sit with them or do their laundry as they recover, because, well, they are in isolation. So what exactly can you do for your friend who has tested positive for the not-so-novel coronavirus? We talked to our friends who have recently battled it, and here is what they said helped them.
Check In On Them Daily
Not once, not twice, but make it a daily priority to check in on your friend. You can send them a text to make sure they’re okay, that their symptoms are under control, or just see if they need someone to chat with. Isolation is just that. Isolating. So it is extremely helpful when you know you have someone who is still thinking about you and concerned for you. It helps them not feel so alone, and thus mentally, can even make a difference as they fight the virus.
Send Food
Growing up, when someone was sick, Mom would always send over some kind of casserole so that the person who was ill, dealing with a tragedy, or adjusting to life with a newborn had one less thing to worry about: putting dinner on the table. With the fatigue that comes with the virus, sending over a nice spread of healthy food can make all the difference between a good day and a bad day. It takes the chore of needing to cook off of their plate, and if they have kids, helps them feel like their kids’ needs are being met despite them being sick.
Send Meds
A lot of people are asymptomatic, and they won’t need too much medication. However, others struggle with severe head aches, body aches, fever, fatigue, coughing, and more. As there is no cure, making sure they are well-stocked with Panadol, cough syrup like Robitussin, and those Vitamin C fizzy tablets you put in hot water to create a gorgeous warm drink that doubles as a dose of healthy vitamins.
Treat Them Like It's Valentine's Day - Send Flowers and Chocolate
Your friend may have lost their sense of smell, but they can still see a beautiful arrangement of flowers brightening up their room. Something as simple as a bouquet of colors to break up the monotony of isolation can help when someone is struggling mentally and emotionally with the virus. Sweet treats as well can cheer a person up. Maybe they cannot taste it, but places like Sugargram and Candylicious are sweet ideas for bringing a smile to someone’s face. It’s just an extra way to let them know they are being thought of and cheered on while they battle alone.Â
A Joke A Day Keeps the Doctor Away
If your friend has a decent sense of humor, they may appreciate receiving a joke, a meme, or even a comic strip a day. It may seem like a silly thing, but laughter can be the best medicine. Perhaps steer clear of any Corona memes, as they might not be feeling all that ironic yet, but a good Calvin and Hobbes strip, or a well timed GIF can never go amiss.
