Okla. Poison Control Centers Report Spike In Calls During Social Distancing

With thousands working from home, learning from home and practicing social distancing, State poison control centers have seen a spike in calls.

Oklahoma center for poison and drug information officials say cases of medication mix ups or overdoses are up 19 percent compared to this time last year. Most often it's kids getting into medication they wouldn't normally be around or adults not paying attention to dosage because daily routines have been disrupted.

Next are cleaning or sanitizing products which can be accidentally ingested in the course of trying to stop the spread of coronavirus inside the home. Experts encourage reading the directions before using any cleaner or sanitizer. The simplest way to prevent accidental poisonings they say is common sense and precaution.

“In this time where we're out of our routine our normal day to day has been disrupted, we have to think about how to keep our homes safe. The Center’s managing director Scott Schaeffer said.
"Put things up out of the reach of children.”

Finally, there have already been cases of people buying or taking medication believed to either prevent or cure COVID-19 which can be extremely dangerous and even deadly. Poison control experts urge people to never take medication without consulting a doctor. Currently there is no cure or vaccine for the virus.

Experts also recommend keeping dangerous cleaners and medication in a locked cabinet to further prevent accidental poisoning.

If you have a question about a chemical or a possible poisoning you can call 1-800-222-1222.