A diagnosis with COVID-19 can be
daunting and difficult to accept. However, with a global mortality rate of less
than 3% and over 80% of those with the infection being asymptomatic, it is best
for one to stay positive and focus on the recovery.
Once we develop symptoms of COVID-19
such as a cough, fever, sore throat, loss of taste or smell , headache or body
pain; it is best to contact the helpline number. In India, the ‘1075’ number is
the toll- free helpline number for COVID-19.
After assessing your symptoms and
history through the call, you would either be required to self-quarantine at
home until further symptoms develop or visit one of the government approved
COVID-19 testing centres.
At the test centre, a doctor
evaluates your symptoms and history and approves the test to be conducted if
needed. A quick, 5-10 minute PCR test is conducted and this involves a painless
throat swab. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, additional tests such
as blood investigations or radiological investigations such as a CT
chest/abdomen maybe taken.
Once your test results are revealed,
(some tests take up to 2-3 days and self-quarantine, hospitalisation or
institutional quarantine is advised during this waiting period depending on
severity of symptoms) you would be informed confidentially about the results.
Mild cases:
If one does not show any symptoms or
shows very mild symptoms and there are no co-morbidities or risk factors (such
as diabetes, hypertension, cardia disease, old age, immunosuppression, etc.) ,
the person is advised to self quarantine at home.
Self quarantine at home:
- A person suspected with this infection or is tested
positive, should stay in a separate, well ventilated room with adequate
facilities such as a toilet and access to the phone in case of
emergencies.
- Avoid using an air conditioner to prevent spread of
infection to others in the house.
- One main care giver should be
appointed to take responsibility to provide the necessary needs for this
person with protective equipment such as gloves and mask.
- The infected person should always wear a surgical mask
and change to a new mask every 5-6 hours.
- Hand washing and sanitizing
should be practiced frequently.
- Adequate water should be
consumed and nutrient rich food should be taken to build immunity.
- medications as prescribed by
the doctor should be followed.
- In Tamil Nadu, the government
provides COVID-19 positive patients with additional vitamin supplements
and ‘Kabasura Kudineer’ that should be taken to improve immunity and
reduce worsening of the disease.
- minimum contact with other
family members should be maintained at all times and movement outside the
room should be restricted.
- The house should be cleaned with
bleach at least once a week and metallic surfaces should be cleaned using
alcohol.
- symptoms should be monitored
closely, communication with treating doctor should be maintained and
immediate medical assistance needs to be sought if symptoms worsen.
Moderate cases:
these patients are quarantined in a
government facility. Rules to be followed are very similar to those followed at
home quarantine with additional support and help from healthcare professionals.
Medications and food will be as supplied by the institutional authorities.
Severe cases:
These patients are hospitalized and
treatment is given by doctors and other helathcare professionals in the
hospital. Constant monitoring of vitals and supportive medication and drugs are
prescribed until recovery.
Once a patient is infected, strict
quarantine measures and treatment regimens are followed until the patient tests
negative for COVID-19 in two consecutive PCR tests in a 24-hour duration.
Patients are advised to follow
social distancing for a maximum of 14 days following a recovery.
From the above, it is evident that
though COVID-19 is a potentially fatal disease, the symptoms are not always
severe and with the right treatment and support, a patient can recover
completely. Also, research so far suggests that a patient who has been infected
with COVID-19 will most likely not be re-infected with this virus.
It is important to understand that
all COVID-19 positive patients do not need to be hospitalized. This is to avoid
overcrowding at hospitals, reduce chances of re infection or cross infection
and most importantly, reserve the essential medical supplies to critically ill
patients who need it.
Therefore, anyone having symptoms or
worried about their health need to consult a doctor before getting tested.
Patients in home quarantine also need to be in touch with a doctor periodically
to discuss symptoms and recovery. For these instances, telemedicine is of major
importance and one can consult a doctor from anywhere , at anytime!
Curie is a one of a kind
telemedicine platform and acts as the best place to consult a doctor online
during these times. Download the Curie
app
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