You might have questions if you have coronavirus illness 2019 (COVID-19) and are taking care of yourself or a loved one at home who has COVID-19. How do you recognize when you need emergency medical care? How long should you isolate for? What actions can you take to stop the spread of germs? How can you care for a sick family member while controlling your stress? What you should know is as follows.
home health care
Most COVID-19 patients have fairly moderate illnesses and can recover at home. The signs may last for a few days. In approximately a week, those who have the sickness might feel better. Symptom relief is the goal of treatment, which includes:
- Rest
- Fluids
- Drugs that reduce pain
However, as soon as symptoms appear, persons with long-term (chronic) medical issues, including older adults and people of any age, should see their doctor. These elements increase the likelihood that someone will have a severe COVID-19 illness. When receiving COVID-19, individuals with these diseases may also qualify for specific therapies. The beginning of these treatments is required a few days after the onset of symptoms.
Observe the advice of the medical professional on treatment and staying at home (isolating). If you have any inquiries concerning the treatments, speak with the provider. Help the sick person obtain any necessary medications and meals. And, if necessary, look after their animal.
Also, consider how your health may be impacted by caring for a sick individual. You may be more susceptible to serious sickness from COVID-19 if you are older or have an existing long-term (chronic) medical condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease. You can consider finding someone else to care for the sick person while you stay away from the ill person. Additionally, you might decide to put on a mask for greater protection.
Emergency cautionary symbols
Keep a close eye out for worsening symptoms in yourself or a loved one.
If the patient has risk factors for a severe illness with COVID-19 and COVID-19 symptoms, the doctor may advise using a home pulse oximeter. A plastic clip that fits a finger is a pulse oximeter. By detecting the amount of oxygen in the blood, the device can help monitor respiration. A less than 92 percent value can make a hospital stay more necessary. Make sure you know how to use the pulse oximeter appropriately if the healthcare provider suggests one. Additionally, understand when a reading requires a call to the supplier.
Call the provider if your symptoms seem to be becoming worse.
Get medical help immediately if you or the person with COVID-19 exhibits emergency warning signs. If you observe any indications of an emergency, such as any of the following:
- difficulty breathing
- persistent pressure or pain in the chest
- new ambiguity
- unable to maintain sleep
- pale-colored lips or face
The symptoms listed below are not all present. Call the provider immediately if you or the COVID-19 patient have any other serious symptoms.
Keeping people safe while ill
Get checked as soon as possible after your symptoms appear if you have COVID-19 symptoms. Until you get the results, stay at home.
If you have COVID-19, you may do your part to stop the virus from spreading.
- Avoid going to work, school, and public places when receiving medical attention.
- Avoid using taxis, ride-sharing services, or public transit.
- As much as possible, remain alone in one room and away from your family, friends, and pets. In your room, eat. To maintain airflow, open the windows. If you can, use a bathroom on your own.
- As far as possible, avoid having communal areas in your home. Be careful where you go in public places. Make sure the airflow in the kitchen and other communal areas is good. Keep a minimum of 6 feet (2 meters) away from your family.
- Every day, wipe down frequently touched areas of your separate room and bathroom, including doorknobs, light switches, electronics, and worktops.
- Avoid lending your household things, like your phones, towels, and beds.
- When around people or animals, put on the most protective face mask you can manage and make sure it fits comfortably. Every day, change the face mask.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing. After that, discard the tissue.
- Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are unavailable.