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Although the new coronavirus has the potential to cause serious conditions that require hospitalization, most infected people have milder symptoms. In these cases, where the individual does not need to stay in the hospital, some treatments can help monitor COVID-19 at home.
These recommendations should be followed based on a doctor’s guidance, especially if the person has sought health service, as evidenced by infectious disease specialist Dania Abdel Rahman, of Albert Sabin Hospital.
In this sense, it is worth knowing that, months after the start of the pandemic, the guidelines of the Ministry of Health have been changed and have begun to recommend that anyone with a suspected coronavirus infection seeks immediate help.
In order for the individual to be sent home after treatment, he must not have any symptoms that are threatening his life at that time. So, in a nutshell, it is necessary that the patient does not have shortness of breath, low fever or simply loss of smell and taste.
COVID-19 lightweight frames: what to do
It is essential for the patient to observe the condition and be alert for symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath. If these signs appear, it is also necessary to be aware of possible worsening, especially after physical exertion, such as taking a shower, going to the toilet and getting up. In these cases, it is indicated that you return to the doctor.
In addition to observation, hydration is essential for anyone, with or without infection. However, especially during an active condition such as COVID-19, patients are advised to drink plenty of water, as this avoids symptoms such as dizziness and headache.
Regarding physical activities, the recommendations must be personalized. People who are able to exercise are usually asymptomatic or have symptoms so mild that they are not bothered by exertion. “A patient with dyspnea cannot perform physical exercises. Those with a lot of prostration and muscle fatigue need to rest ”, adds Dania.
How to monitor symptoms at home
Symptoms can be monitored by the patient himself, if he is in good general condition. However, worsening dyspnea and fatigue indicate the need for professional assistance.
Observing body temperature with a thermometer is also important for monitoring the condition. Additionally, the person can monitor the oxygen saturation in the cells by a device known as an oximeter. It can be used at home as long as certain recommendations are followed, such as:
- Do not put the device on nail polish, as this reduces sensitivity
- Leave the device on your finger for 2-3 minutes
- Seek first aid in case of saturation below 94%
The use of antipyretics and analgesics to relieve pain and fever should only be performed by the patient on the recommendation of a specialist, remembering that self-medication is NEVER recommended in any health condition.
Recommendations for family members
What the experts say for those living with an infected person remains the same: the patient must remain in a separate room. As for food, it is advisable for someone to take the food on a tray, walk away and only then the infected person opens the door to collect the meal.
The patient’s utensils should be washed normally with soap and water and preferably cannot be used by other family members. If possible, it is also recommended to use a bathroom exclusively for the patient, if there is more than one bathroom in the house.
The rubbish must be disposed of by the patient himself, packing and leaving the bag outside, so that someone else can take it. However, it is important to emphasize that non-contaminated people should handle this type of material as little as possible, following certain precautions, such as the use of disposable gloves.
Finally, the use of a mask during any necessary interaction with an infected person is extremely relevant, as is not sleeping in the same room and leaving the windows open to keep the environment well ventilated.
The isolation time indicated for COVID-19 cases treated at home is 14 days. After that time, if the fever and respiratory symptoms disappear, you can return to your normal routine. People who have contact with patients should be alert to the appearance of any symptoms and, likewise, consult a doctor. With information from Minha Vida
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