I am only caregiver for my 85 year old husband with dementia, and I may have the virus. What to do to avoid giving it to him?

There are videos and info on the internet where u can make face masks out of paper towels. They will not filter out all the particles but will help to keep from touching your face. My opinion, better than nothing. Just wash your hands all the time. Especially if bringing something from the outside in, like mail. I can't believe it, but they are still mailing junk mail. Get rid of this right away and envelopes from mailings. I just wiped down a catalog I like with a Cloxox wipe. Saw a video yesterday where the guy even got rid of cereal boxes. He washed his fruit and took things out of containers they came in. Freezing doesn't kill the virus. He took take out wrappers off of burgers and threw them away. Then he washed his hands. This may seem like over kill but better safe then sorry.

It is suggested on TV that you call your PCP if you think you may have it. Maybe ur PCP can test you or send u someplace to be tested.

I would say if u have it, you are not going to be able to be near him at all. Which will be really hard. Like said, it may be allergies.

Are you a member of Costco's? I bought a Exergen automatic thermometer at Costco's recently. It is #1 in proven accuracy. Masks are hard to find, but take the recommended precautions. I have a slight cough, feel warm at times, but I think it is allergies. I have to admit the virus did cross my mind. I would recommend calling your doctor, if symptoms get worse. Hope you start to feel better soon.

My 87-year-old mom flew in from California last weekend and is living in my home till the coronavirus precautions pass. We, too, are without masks but I have several bandanas that I fold into triangles and tie around my face to cover my nose and mouth while preparing food. Unless they, too, are sold out, you should be able to find them cheap at Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Walmart, and such.

I hope you can find care for your throat and fever soon, and that it isn't coronovirus!

Carol83, for myself occasionally I will feel warm but then I have to stop to realize I was rushing around the house, after I sit for a while then I go back to normal. Then there are still menopause hot flashes that can surprise us long into our golden years :P

Hopefully the scratchy throat is just due the pollen season. Are you prone to seasonal allergies? This time of the year is always a challenge for me here in the Mid-Atlantic region as trees are budding, daffodils are out, grass is in need of a mow, and mold spores from decaying leaves. I find for the scratchy throat, I use Cold-Eeze lozenges. Check with your primary doctor before trying anything.

I couldn't find an automatic beep type thermometer, either. I have an old fashioned one that one has to shake to get it to reset and is hard to read after using it. Forget about looking for masks, those were gone off the shelves here back in January.

Try not over thinking you may have the virus. I know how that is, mind over matter. One night I woke up extremely warm, scared me silly, then I realized the cat was right up next to me, he's like a heating blanket. Once I moved away from him, after a while I felt back to normal, phew.

In the meantime, try to keep distance from hubby. I know it won't be easy since you need to help him.