What to do if you turn corona positive? An expert explains the next steps as COVID-19 infections surge

 

The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over across the world and in India, the second wave of coronavirus-driven infections continues to add to the number of persons infected with the viruses. In many cases, due to the huge swell in the number of patients, all of a sudden, hospitals are being overwhelmed and admission seems a difficult task. Time is of the essence in getting treated - whether at home or in a hospital. Most cases can be treated by doctors as OPD patients, with the patient in home isolation.

Here is what you must know about:

Till when can you stay at home after getting infected with the novel coronavirus contagion?

How to take care of yourself at home?

When to visit the hospital after spotting certain symptoms?

 

Dos 

1.  If you have mild symptoms then you can stay at home and take treatment. 

2.  Isolate yourself in a separate room that has an attached bathroom.

3.  If you have a low-grade fever then you can take paracetamol.

4.  Check your fever and oxygen levels at least 10-15 times a day. You can set a reminder for that on your mobile.

5.  If the oxygen level is between 94-100 then you need not worry. If it drops below 94 then contact your doctor.

6.  Have a liquid diet, easy to digest food, and drink at least 8-10 glasses of water. 

Don’ts

1.  Don’t take steroids or Remdesivir without a doctor’s prescription if you have mild symptoms.

2.  If the symptoms are severe then stay in touch with your doctor from time to time. 

3.  If the viral load is high, you will get a fever for at least 5-7 days and your oxygen level will show a dip. So, keep checking the fever and oxygen level.

If the oxygen level is going down continuously, then go to the hospital immediately. 

4.  For this, first, try to check with the nearby hospital regarding the availability of beds. Know which hospitals have a ventilator, ICU, or oxygen beds.

5.  For the oxygen cylinder, you will have to contact government agencies. Do not buy oxygen cylinders in black and waste your time. It is important to get an oxygen supply for the patient at the right time.

6.  Do not take any medication without a doctor’s prescription.

7.  Do not google and take medication. Instead, speak to your family doctor.

8.  If symptoms worsen, get the patient admitted to a hospital (even if you have oxygen cylinder arrangements at home) as every moment of critical care matters to save precious lives.

9.  Don’t take treatment at home if symptoms are severe.

10.  High fever for more than 7 days, low oxygen levels, diarrhoea, breathing problems and chest pain are some of the symptoms that indicate you need immediate hospitalisation.