HOUSTON — Some Houstonians are standing with health care workers by giving them a much needed morale boost.
Their act of kindness may inspire you and your neighborhood to consider a similar project.
Last Sunday, Woods of Wimbledon resident Ashanti Norris posted this message Nextdoor:
"Hey everyone! I am a critical care nurse at a local HCA. As you can imagine we are so busy, and morale is taking a hit. I was wondering if anyone would be interested in making thank you cards for the staff? I think this would be so appreciated and also give you a little something to take your mind off social distancing."
"I was just thinking it would be something kind of small, but it’s kind of grown to something bigger," said Norris when KHOU met up with her in a grocery store parking lot Wednesday. "I’m overwhelmed already with the responses."
Others dropped off cards their young children decorated. Some neighbors even stuffed Starbucks gift cards inside their notes meant for doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and janitors.
"I just thought, this was an amazing effort," said Sara Nixson who dropped off six cards. "The people and the hospitals right now are just overwhelmed and I think people just don’t realize what sacrifice they make for our community to keep people healthy and to keep people safe. So this is one small way that we can give back to those that are helping us."
A random act of kindness that just made 70 people's day.
"It’s been busy, but our staff is amazing. And we’ve been working together really well," said Norris. "So, I’m very proud of my team and I just want to keep the morale going."
"Every once in a while you just need a boost," said Norris. "Every once in a while you just need to know that the work that you’re doing. It matters. And thank you cards, like this. I think it’s going to go such a long way."
Thanks for Sara Nixson for connecting with KHOU Reporter Melissa Correa on Nextdoor. If you want to pass a positive story idea to Melissa, click here.
RELATED: Pearland couple using Nextdoor to connect with neighbors who need help, can't get to stores
Coronavirus symptoms
The symptoms of coronavirus can be similar to the flu or a bad cold. Symptoms include a fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Some patients also have nausea, headaches and stomach issues.
Most healthy people will have mild symptoms. A study of more than 72,000 patients by the Centers for Disease Control in China showed 80 percent of the cases there were mild.
But infections can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death, according to the World Health Organization. Older people with underlying health conditions are most at risk for becoming seriously ill. However, U.S. experts are seeing a significant number of younger people being hospitalized, including some in ICU.
The CDC believes symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed.
Human coronaviruses are usually spread through...
- The air by coughing or sneezing
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.
Help stop the spread of coronavirus
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Eat and sleep separately from your family members
- Use different utensils and dishes
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm, not your hand.
- If you use a tissue, throw it in the trash.
- Follow social distancing
Lower your risk
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- If you are 60 or over and have an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, the World Health Organization advises you to try to avoid crowds or places where you might interact with people who are sick.
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