Posted on : 25/01/2022      Views : 489

Managing Covid-19: Home care tips that will come in handy

Ever since the first case was detected, Covid-19 has affected countless lives. The virus that originated in one part of the world has spread all across the globe. Being highly contagious in nature it can be easily passed from the infected person to those around him. As per the experts from the best hospital in Bangalore, one of the most important things that are pertinent to note here is that while some patients tend to experience the symptoms, others may be completely asymptomatic, and this is the reason why the virus is utterly dangerous because you never know who might be carrying it.

We all know that the best way to prevent the spread of Covid-19 is by isolating the patient. In extreme cases the patient will be hospitalized, however, if the infection is mild you will be quarantined at home. 

As there is no proper treatment for Covid-19 the major focus is on relieving the symptoms and your medication may vary depending upon the same. The strain is usually mild in young people with no existing medical condition, however, extra care is to be taken when it comes to older adults, especially those with existing comorbidities or medical conditions. In such cases, you need to inform the doctor immediately for proper guidance. The patient may not necessarily be hospitalized, but you have to be ready for any kind of emergency in such situations. 

Now, there are many questions that may cross your mind if you test positive, like 

• What precautions are to be taken? 
• How long do you need to stay in isolation? 
• How can you lower the risks of spread? 

and so on. 
This blog will help you understand all about Covid-19 care at home and make it easier for you to embark on the journey to recovery. 

When to call for help? 
It is important to call for help in case the patient is experiencing the emergency warning signs, which may vary from one patient to another. The patient's vitals are to be checked on a regular basis and you need to keep a track of the symptoms. If these seem to be worsening, the situation is alarming and you should consider calling for help. It is due to this very reason that the patients are recommended to use an oximeter. The tiny device can help to measure oxygen saturation, which clearly points towards the normal functioning of the lungs. If the saturation of the patient falls below 92, immediate hospitalization is required. 

Other warning signs that you need to look out for, as listed by the best doctor in Bangalore, include:

• Breathing difficulties
• Angina 
• Persistent chest pressure 
• Cyanosis, which is marked by a bluish tone of lips and skin
• Lightheadedness
• Change in the colour of skin, lips and nail beds. 

If the patient is experiencing any of the following symptoms, the patient should be shifted to the nearest Hospital. 

Protecting yourself and others:
Now there can be 2 situations that you have to be prepared for. Either you can test positive, which means that you have to focus on protecting others around you from getting infected as well, or someone around you tests positive and you have to take care of them while making sure that you do not catch the virus. There is a proper safety protocol that is to be followed in either case. 

What if you have tested positive? 
If you have been tested positive with Covid-19, your first and foremost priority is to cut the chain of spread. Here are a few guidelines that you need to follow:

• Avoid going to work, school, college or any other public place. 
• Refrain from using any kind of public transport, such as a bus, cab or rickshaw. 
• Isolate yourself in one room, without any physical contact with your family members. 
• If possible, use a separate washroom and keep your toiletries away
• Ask your family members to leave your food near the door and take your meals in your room only 
• Keep the windows of your room open to allow circulation
• Sanitize every surface that you come in contact with, including the handles, switches doorknob and faucet.
• If possible, refrain from sharing personal household items like cutlery, towels, bedding, utensils etc
• If you have to step out in case of an emergency situation, make sure that you wear a mask and maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others around you. 
• Sanitize or wash your hands frequently 

What if you are taking care of someone who has tested positive? 
If you are taking care of a loved one who has been tested positive for Covid-19, there are a few things that are to be taken care of:

• Make it a habit to sanitize or clean your hands every single time you enter their room and avoid touching your face unnecessarily. 
• Make sure that you wear a mask while entering the room and maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from the patient. 
• Sanitize your home frequently, as well as all the objects and utensils that are used by the infected person.
• While doing laundry, take extra precautions. If possible, use gloves while doing so. You can use the washing machine and regular detergent for the purpose. 
• Washed utensils of an infected person with soap and hot water to kill the germs. 
• Make sure that you do not come in direct contact with the infected person's body fluids such as sweat, urine, vomitus and sputum. 
• Avoid having/inviting any unnecessary visitors 

Conclusion
If you have been experiencing any of the Covid-19 related symptoms, isolate yourself, and get your test done as soon and possible. In case of any medical emergency, get in touch with an expert for proper care and guidance.