Understanding COVID-19: Basics to Keep You Informed
Hello everyone! For this topic, we will talk about tips and management of patients with Covid virus infection at home. Many healthcare facility or hospitals do not admit stable patients with Covid infection. In fact, many physicians do not prescribe antibiotics. As many of us know, Covid is virus. Virus cannot be treated by antibiotics and can be only dealt with supportive care measures. Before we talk about the supportive care measures, lets talk and understand this virus first.
COVID-19 virus is a disease of the respiratory system. It is highly contagious and can be transmitted via airborne and direct contact. It means that the virus can spread the infection through the air, and by touching the virus from any contaminated surfaces and accidentally inhaling it. The potential serious effects are difficulty of breathing, bronchitis and lung infiltrates such as pneumonia, and at times – blood clots. For any individual who got exposed to the virus, it is vital to know and recognize the symptoms to avoid infecting more people.
Recognizing the common symptoms: Identifying signs of infection
What happens after you get infected?
Feeling unwell – mostly will show negative test result
Muscle and joint pain
Tired and feeling weak
Fever and chills – very common signs and normally will show positive test result at this point
Headache
Sneezing or coughing
Colds and congestion
Change in voice (Hoarse Voice)
Diarrhea
Shortness of Breath – if left untreated
Managing Mild COVID-19 at Home: Symptoms and Self-Care
Many Covid cases are being managed at home. Healthcare providers prefer safety of patients by discharging stable patients in their own homes instead of being exposed to more diseases in the clinical facility. Remember, when someone is sick – their immune system to fight more infection goes down too. When a decision was made that home treatment is appropriate, addressing common symptoms with home remedies and over-the-counter drugs called supportive measures with rest, hydration, and nourishment are essentials. However, monitoring the illness and knowing when to seek medical attention is a must.
Supportive Measure Medications and Home Treatments: Ensuring Safe Usage
There are approved medications for treating mild COVID-19 at home such as Paxlovid oral pills. It will reduce the severity of the symptoms but can prolong the duration of the infection. Below are home-based effective treatments, but be mindful that everyone needs to understand the limitations and risks of self-medication.
Fever and Headache – Antipyrexia and analgesic medications such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen (Tylenol or Advil)
Vitamin Supplements (B12,Zinc, Calcium and Vit D3) – these supplements can boost your immune system to fight the virus
Warm Steaming and Inhalation – Can help to loosen phlegm, prevent dryness and irritation of nostrils, and dilate breathing passages (Bronchi).
Decongestant and Expectorant – Over the counter medications such as Robitussin DM, Mucinex, and Equate Tussin DM https://amzn.to/3vaKLwC can expedite loosening your phlegm.
Back Tapping – additional treatment method to loosen phlegm
Proper Ventilation – open windows to circulate fresh air
***Remember that you are preventing pneumonia and blood clots formation.
Protective Measures and Cleanliness: Reducing Transmission Risks
As you fight the virus, the sanitation and disinfection of your home is another important factor. The correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) https://amzn.to/3Txytsc such masks and gloves are emphasized. Handwashing is a universal and primary sanitation practices that helps to lower the risk of spreading the virus at home. Alcohol gel is another option but can’t replaced the handwashing benefits. Your family must unite and be a unit in creating a safe environment for the uninfected. Develop isolation strategies like designate a bedroom with bathroom for the infected person. Leave the food tray outside the bedroom door and text the patient.
When and how to end home isolation and return to normal activities. For infected people without symptoms, five days isolation is needed. For patients with symptoms, ten days isolation are highly recommended. After completion of these isolation days, sanitize your entire house by spraying each rooms, mopping floors , and wiping surfaces with disinfectants. Wash all linens, curtains, and rugs.
I hope you enjoyed this blog. I highly appreciate your time and comments. Kindly leave a short comment. Every comment will help me improve the content of my blogs and articles.
Aleta
Jordia
mf
Jordia