Coronavirus : Covid Treatment at Home

Worldwide- we are seeing a resurgence of COVID-19. Consult your doctor if you have COVID-19. If your symptoms are manageable, you may undergo Covid treatment at home.

Staying at home for treatment for COVID19 is definitely more comfortable than being at the hospital, but you must be vigilant and have all the information you need to make sound medical decisions.

How do you recognize when you need emergency care?

How long does isolation have to last?

What can you do to prevent germs from spreading?

How can you care for a loved one while still managing your own stress?

You can find all the information below.

Covid Home Treatment

The majority of individuals who test positive COVID-19 will suffer relatively minor sickness and will be able to recover at home. Symptoms may persist for a few days, and those infected with the virus may feel better within a week. Treatment focuses on symptom relief and may include rest, increased hydration intake, and pain medication.

However, older adults and those with pre-existing medical problems should contact their physician as soon as the symptoms appear. These variables put a person at higher risk of developing a severe infection from COVID-19.

Adhere to your physician’s instructions about care and home isolation for yourself or a loved one. Talk to your physician if you have any concerns regarding treatments. Assist the patients by supplying them with food and medicines; and taking care of their pet if necessary.

It’s equally important to evaluate the impact of caring for a sick person on your own health. If you are a senior citizen or have a pre-existing medical condition with lungs, heart, etc you have a high risk to getting a severe illness from COVID-19. Consider separating yourself from the patient and arranging for care to be provided by another person.

Symptoms That Require Covid Treatment in Hospital 

Keep a close eye on yourself or a loved one for symptoms that intensify. Consult a physician if symptoms appear to be worsening.

The doctor may suggest that the patient use a home pulse oximeter, particularly if the patient has risk factors for severe sickness with COVID-19 and COVID-19 symptoms. A pulse oximeter is a little plastic clip that is worn on the index finger. The gadget may assist in monitoring respiration by determining the amount of oxygen in the blood. A result less than 92 percent may indicate a greater likelihood of hospitalization.

If you or someone who has COVID-19 exhibits emergency warning symptoms, get medical care immediately. If the patient is not responding or exhibits symptoms such as:

•  Breathing difficulties/Shortness of Breath
•  Persistent discomfort or pressure in the chest
•  Added perplexity
•  Lips or face that is bluish
•  Inability to maintain a state of alertness
•  Skin, lips, or nail beds that are pale, grey, or blue in hue — depending on skin tone

Types Of Masks And How To Use Them 

USE OF MASKS

Cloth masks: While they may be used on a daily basis, they are less effective than other types of masks since they cannot filter out germs from the air. Generally, a cotton mask is better than no mask at all. Extremely Contraindicated for those who care for individuals with COVID-19 symptoms.

Surgical mask with layers: This disposable polypropylene mask may help avoid the inhalation of air, particle droplets, and virus sprays. It is a loose-fitting mask that enables particles in the air to enter via the nose and mouth.

The most effective surgical mask against COVID-19 virus is a three-ply mask. This mask is composed of three layers and has a metal strip at the top that can be adjusted to fit the shape of the nose. Recommend to infected employees, frontline healthcare providers, or other healthcare professionals.

N95 Respirator: This mask is equipped with respirators capable of capturing virus and bacterial particles as small as 0.3 microns in diameter. This polypropylene mask is not designed for widespread use by the general population. Physicians and frontline workers are strongly advised to avoid patients with COVID-19.

REUSE 

It is recommended that you do not reuse the masks . If you want to reuse a mask, keep it dry between uses and clean it well afterward. Before using a cloth mask, wash and disinfect it thoroughly.

Surgical mask with layers: Keep it in a plastic bag for reuse if the layers and shape are intact. Surgical masks have a three-day shelf life. Avoid reusing a damaged or filthy mask.

When not in use, store reusable N95 masks in a safe place. It must be stored in an uncontaminated plastic container. Allow 3-4 days for the mask to dry. To disinfect the N95 mask, sterilize it. Alternate between 2-3 masks. The COVID-19 virus may live for up to 72 hours on any surface. As a result, healthcare experts advise against mask reuse. A mask worn by a sick individual should never be used again.

DISPOSAL 

Viruses and bacteria are particularly fond of masks. According to researchers, coronavirus can live on almost any surface for a few hours. Dispose worn masks with care. Our respiratory secretions accumulate on the mask and may be lethal if they come into contact with another person.

Cloth mask: After each use, wash thoroughly and often with soap and water. Always remove surgical masks through the string, not the front. Fold it in half and remove from chin-up. On the mask, the nose and mouth secretions should be covered. Now throw the mask in a polythene bag.

Remove a N95 mask by grasping the edge of the straps and avoiding contact with the respirator. After usage, place the mask in a polythene bag or zip-lock bag. Avoid exposing the inside of the mask while disposing of it.

Eliminate any mucus, respiratory discharge, or blood immediately from N95 respirator masks. Additionally, if in close contact with an infected person, discard the mask immediately after. To avoid interaction with contaminated air, use a clean face shield over the N95 mask.

Washing Hand Vs Wearing Gloves 

When we use gloves, we seldom wash our hands. You should replace gloves on a regular basis- particularly if you are handling patients/food, etc, and consumable objects. You may substitute biodegradable plastic gloves for surgical gloves.

Gloves are required if you are working constantly at such places. Change your gloves each time you leave and return. While handwashing is preferable to sanitizing, sanitizers only hide germs, while hand washing eliminates them.

Even travelers prefer to use gloves but it may give them a false sense of security. It is essential to even decontaminate gloves after use and further properly disposing of them.

Covid 19 treatment protocol 

If you are suffering from Covid -19, you can help prevent the virus’s transmission by :

•  Avoid going to work, school, and public places unless you need medical attention.
•  Isolate and Quarantine
•  Avoid sharing personal things such as dishes, towels, beds, and gadgets with others.
• When close to people, use a face mask. Each day, replace the face mask.
• If you cannot use a face mask, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow while coughing or sneezing. After that, discard the tissue or handkerchief.
• Wash your hands vigorously or use a 60% alcohol-based sanitizer

Ending isolation or quarantine Post Covid Treatment 

If you have Covid, doctors recommend you to isolate at home. Consult your physician about when to discontinue home isolation if you have a compromised immune system. If you suspect or know you had COVID-19 and had symptoms, the CDC advises that you avoid contact with people until the following has occurred:

• At least 10 days have passed  after the occurrence of symptoms
• At least 24 hours have passed without the use of fever-reducing medication.
• Other symptoms are improving – although the loss of taste and smell may last for many weeks or months after recovery, it should not prevent you from terminating your isolation.

The majority of individuals do not need testing to determine when they are safe to be around others.

When you have not received vaccination and are caring for someone with Covid, the CDC advises quarantining yourself for 14 days after your last contact with the ill individual and monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms. Maintain distance from family and friends.

Self-isolate if you are experiencing symptoms and for the next 14 days, monitor for symptoms.

Post Covid Cough Treatment 

Seek emotional assistance while you or a loved one recovers. Maintain contact with people through text messages, phone conversations, or videoconferences. Communicate your concerns. Avoid excessive COVID-19 coverage. Recharge your batteries by engaging in pleasurable activities such as reading, watching movies, or playing online games.

You may experience stress while you care for a loved one who is sick with COVID-19. You may be concerned for your own health and that of the ill individual. This may have a detrimental effect on your ability to eat, sleep, and concentrate, as well as exacerbate chronic health issues.

Continue with your therapy if you have a mental health issue such as anxiety or depression. If your symptoms get worse, call your doctor or mental health professional.

It is essential in the aftermath if symptoms such as acute cough persist to undergo regular check-ups. It is further essential to have a healthy diet and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.

Medicines For Treatment of Covid 19 

The majority of individuals – about 80% – have an asymptomatic or mild to moderate infection that can be taken care of at home. In this situation, you should isolate yourself for at least one week to recuperate.

A small percentage of individuals who acquire COVID-19 will need hospital treatment; however, this is very unlikely if you are young and generally healthy. Seniors and individuals with underlying health problems are at a greater risk of serious or catastrophic infections.

Remdesivir Injection Dose for Covid Treatment 

Remdesivir should be used only in selected moderate/severe hospitalized Covid – 19 patients receiving supplementary oxygen. It is a reserve medication authorized under Emergency Use Authorization based on inadequate scientific data worldwide.

Painkillers 

Doctors suggest simple painkillers such as paracetamol and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications) such as ibuprofen for most viral illnesses, including the flu and the common cold.

During the initial pandemic, there was a concern regarding a potential connection between taking NSAIDs and getting a more severe illness. Indeed, this proved to be incorrect.

The Commission on Human Medicines in the United Kingdom convened an urgent expert working group to examine the evidence. They issued advice on 14th April saying that: “At the moment, there is insufficient data to show a connection between ibuprofen or other NSAID usage and susceptibility to COVID-19 infection or aggravation of its symptoms.

Patients may self-medicate with paracetamol or ibuprofen for symptoms of Covid 19 such as fever, coughing, and headache, but should seek NHS guidance if they have any concerns or if symptoms worsen.”

Post-Covid 19: Use of Steroids And Mucormycosis 

Mucormycosis is a very uncommon infection. Exposure to mucor mold, which is frequently present in the soil, plants, manure, and rotting fruits and vegetables, causes it. It affects the sinuses, the brain, and the lungs and may be fatal in diabetics or highly immunocompromised individuals, such as cancer patients or people living with HIV/AIDS.

Doctors think that steroids may contribute towards mucormycosis, which has a 50% overall death rate. Steroids are life-saving therapy for very sick Covid-19 patients. They seem to mitigate some of the harm that may occur when the body’s immune system goes into overdrive to fight against coronavirus. However, they impair immune function and raise blood sugar levels in both diabetic and non-diabetic Covid-19 patients. This decline in immunity may cause mucormycosis.

Covid-19 treatment update 

The US Food and Drug Administration authorized the emergency use of Actemra (tocilizumab) for the treatment of hospitalized adults and pediatric patients (2 years and older) receiving systemic corticosteroids and needing supplemental oxygen, non-invasive or invasive mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Actemra is not allowed in outpatient settings with COVID-19.

The pandemic still has the world in its grip. As doctors and scientists say- the best way to beat it is to get vaccinated. However, it is possible to still get the disease after vaccination. So, it is mandatory that you stay cautious; and keep following safety guidelines issued by the authorities at all times.

Conclusion

With the warnings of the third wave of Covid, it has become even more important to monitor symptoms and take precautions.

The best solution to this is to be aware and well equipped to deal with mild to moderate cases of Covid at home. The second wave saw the overburdening of the healthcare system due to the lack of knowledge about Covid and its treatment.

To win this fight against Covid, it is important that we follow the protocols set in place and stay updated.