SRINAGAR: As Covid-19 cases continue to be on the rise, and a greater number of Covid positive people are being cared for at home, their health should be monitored on a regular basis, and only vaccinated and stable people should attend to them, according to Dr Muzaffar Maqbool, Associate Professor of Medicine at Government Medical College in Srinagar.

“More than 80 percent Covid positive patients who are either asymptomatic or with mild symptoms are being treated at home. However, it is imperative to keep watch on SPO2  level which should not fall below 93 percent”, he addedIf a patient has trouble breathing or develops a fever, they should be taken to a local health institute or triage centre for screening and care. ‘The decrease in oxygen saturation, pain in chest and increase in fever demonstrate that it is the time for hospitalization of a patient’, Dr Muzaffar Maqbool said while elaborating the  concept of home careHospitalization of such patients at the appropriate time will ensure the patient’s recovery, while delay in such circumstances can exacerbate the patient’s condition. At the same time, he stated that there is no need to be alarmed, but that obtaining prompt medical advice will assist in the care of patients.

In the meantime, he urged people not to take steroids on their own and that people with moderate symptoms do not need to get a CT scan. They can eat a balanced and nutritious diet, as well as stay hydrated and get enough rest.

Patients in home isolation should be kept in a room with attached washroom facility so that there would be less contact with other family members. Only the vaccinated or young and healthy person should assume the role of a caregiver and attendant.

Patients who are asymptomatic or have moderate symptoms and are receiving home treatment can be released from isolation after 10 days if their health improves and no serious symptoms appear. If a covid positive person’s condition worsens within five days of being placed under home care, the patient must be admitted to a hospital for treatment right away.

According to Dr. Muzaffar Maqbool, contaminated utensils should be kept separate, masks and other objects used by them should be properly disposed of, and should not be thrown in open areas. To prevent the virus from spreading further, the room must be sanitised and washed later.

He concluded that during the time of home isolation, a person should not panic or become stressed, but instead should participate in reading books, meditation, and other exercises.

 

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