01 How to handle a COVID-19 case at home
Getting diagnosed with COVID is stressful. However, it is also the time you need to make critical decisions and decide the next course of action based on your symptoms.
02 Most COVID-19 cases can be easily managed at home
Even though the pandemic may have slowed its speed, COVID is still spreading. However, the good news is that most of the cases are mild or moderate in nature, and fewer COVID cases are requiring hospitalization. That means manageable COVID care can be provided at home itself.
Being prepared will also help you recover faster. Here are a few basic guidelines on how to treat and manage your COVID symptoms at home.
03 The things you will need for your recovery period
If you are a lone COVID patient at home, self-isolation will be required till the time you recover so as to protect the ones around you. If possible, try and minimize your contact with the ones at home, stay in a room with ample sunshine and ventilation. Doctors also suggest that patients have a separate room which has a different bathroom attached to it.
Sanitisers, disinfectants, masks, handwash, contactless thermometers, steam inhalation machines, pulse oximeters, clean laundry and separate bedding arrangements will be required.
If you have a co-morbidity such as uncontrolled sugar or blood pressure, you will also require frequent checking of vitals, so ensure that you have a BP monitor and glucose monitoring machines as well, since any instability in these vital parameters can be a sign of worry during your recovery phase.
Since you will also be staying isolated, away in your room for at least 10-14 days, you can also procure things which will help you stay mentally fit and active. Books, mediative journals, puzzles- any you prefer will help you pass time and make the sickness phase a lot more comfortable.
Do remember that even asymptomatic cases require self-isolation since they can still spread the virus onto others.
04 Stay hydrated
Hydration is key to speedy recovery. Ensure that you drink at least 2-3 litres of water in a day, and other hydrating drinks (ORS solutions can be used too). A good indicator that you are drinking plenty of fluids is if your pee comes out a pale, clear colour. Consumption of alcohol and fizzy drinks should be restricted, since they can dehydrate you.
If you take less frequent bathroom breaks through the day, or feel extremely famished or fatigued, it might be a sign to seek help.
05 Managing respiratory symptoms
Respiratory symptoms, such as cough, runny nose, sore throat still remain to be some of the most commonly reported symptoms with COVID-19. It can be prickly, irritating and linger for longing. Hence, a patient will require attention from the very start
