Contingencies are a part of our lives. We all plan to safeguard ourselves from various scenarios such as theft, accident, flood or other such recurring natural calamities. However, it is nearly impossible to prepare for a sudden pandemic outbreak of unprecedented proportions. That’s exactly what happened at the start of this year when the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world in a way that the recorded history has no precedence of. Even the most meticulous healthcare systems globally were overwhelmed with the viral infection.
The good thing is that there is a significantly high percentage of asymptomatic or mild cases of infection. In such cases, patients generally don’t experience any visible symptoms or major discomforts. They are able to recover at home through proper care and monitoring. Generally, those with mild Covid-19 symptoms get better in a week or so. The therapy focuses on boosting immunity, rest, improved fluid intake and supportive care. ICMR studies reveal that over 80% Indians infected with the virus don’t need any hospitalisation and can recover at home.
Unlike the initial days of the pandemic, there is less panic now with ample and coordinated home care system available in the country today. Patients need to pay utmost attention to the doctor’s instructions. Home isolation and care are essential for the well- being of patients and their loved ones. Hence, in case of doubts, it is best to consult a specialist. For instance, those suffering from chronic diseases need extra attention at all times because the risk of complications is higher in such cases.
UNDERSTANDING THE WARNING SIGNS
Careful and continuous monitoring is essential in people with the infection. Hence, the infected person or his family members should be in regular contact with the treating doctor, and provide updates or ask questions during the daily discussion.
In case symptoms aggravate or there are new symptoms, the doctor should be informed of the same. Like any other life-threatening disease, urgent medical attention is essential in case of worsening symptoms. Call the local emergency number or nearest Covid hospital/helpline if problems such as difficulty in breathing, continuous chest pain or heaviness, blue lips, or any other new complication is experienced.
PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS
Covid-positive patients must follow these guidelines to effectively manage their condition and prevent the unintentional spread of the virus:
• Health and recovery is the top priority. No matter how important it might be, you must stay at home and avoid visiting office, school or any other public place besides medical care facilities, if necessary.
• Even if you have to go outside, avoid public transport including taxis.
• You must remain isolated in a room which has a separate bathroom. The room windows should be kept open (externally) to maintain air circulation. You shouldn’t eat outside the room or sit near your family members.
• It would be in the interest of your and your family’s welfare to avoid moving around in the common areas or shared spaces in your home. Even if you need to move, maintain a safe distance (two meters or more) from others.
• It is crucial to maintain sanitisation of all common use surfaces in your room and bathroom. Any doorknobs, handles, light switches, gadgets and surfaces touched have to be thoroughly sanitised regularly.
• Daily use items including utensils, towels, clothes, beddings and gadgets should not be shared with any other family members or outsiders.
• You must wear a medical face mask when in the proximity of others or while moving outside your isolation area/room. The face masks should be changed daily.
• If for any reason, it is not possible to wear a mask, you must keep your face and nose covered with a handkerchief or tissue especially while sneezing and coughing.
• Pulse Oximeters are essential devices that need to be used throughout your home treatment for Covid-19. These are small, non-invasive gadgets which painlessly attach to the finger and use light waves to measure the percentage of oxygen in the blood. They also measure your heart rate. These are two critical parameters for Covid-positive patients and if the oxygen levels don’t drop below normal upon exertion, there is usually no cause to worry.
• A key factor in containing and eliminating the infection is the body’s immunity. Hence, the patients are advised to eat healthy foods that boost immunity.
Adhering to the above-mentioned guidelines can help in recovering from the infection at home itself and prevent its spread among friends and family. Irrespective of whether you are infected by Covid-19 or not, it is essential to follow the hand hygiene protocols.
The writer is Medical Director at Portea Medical.