MANAGING COVID-19 PATIENTS AT HOME

WHAT IS COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is a new virus that is causing serious illnesses. Most patients have fever, dry cough, muscle pain, and extreme weakness. In the majority of patients, symptoms last for 2–3 weeks and often resolve spontaneously. In some patients, COVID-19 can be a more serious illness causing pneumonia or affecting other organs.
SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19
These symptoms may appear 2–14 days after exposure.
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of smell or taste.
Emergency warning signs
• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse.
• Bluish lips or face.
CARING FOR A COVID-19 PATIENT AT HOME
These precautions should last until medical authorities clear the patient.
MONITORING THE PATIENT
a) Check the patient’s temperature twice a day.
b) Monitor for new symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, blue fingers or face, palpitations, changes in mental status, confusion, or swelling of legs.
ISOLATION DIRECTIONS
a) Affected person should be in a separate room. Make sure to have good air circulation in the room.
For example, air conditioning or keeping a window open.
b) The patient should avoid all contact with older people, pregnant women, or anyone with compromised immunity.
c)The patient should always wear a mask and keep at least six feet away if the caregiver has to come into the room.
d) If possible, the patient should have a separate bathroom. If this is not possible, all other unaffected family members should use caution when using shared facilities. Use diluted bleach to wipe down the door handles, toilet seat and handles, sinks, etc., each time the patient uses the bathroom. The patient should have their own toilet roll and towels, which should be kept separately.
e) The affected person should eat in their room, and if possible, use disposable plates, knives, and forks. If not, use gloves when washing their plates, spoons, knives, and forks. Use diluted bleach and rinse well.
HYGIENE AND CLEANING
a) Patients and caregivers should wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, regularly.
b) Encourage the patient to have a daily bath.
c)The affected person’s clothes should be washed separately and with a bleach containing detergent using a hot wash (90°C) for at least 30 minutes.
d) Use disposable gloves and a mask when entering the affected person’s room.
e) Dispose of the patient’s trash carefully. Use gloves and avoid handling it with your bare hands.
f) SARS-CoV-2 can live on cardboard, plastic, and food surfaces for several days. Discard all packaging or disinfect surfaces by wiping them down with a disinfectant solution. Wash all fruits and vegetables for at least 20 seconds using soap and water. Heat appears to kill the virus. However, frozen foods may harbor the virus, so make sure all food is heated well. Microwaving until steam rises also appears to kill coronavirus.
EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL HEALTH
a) Try to keep the patient’s spirits up. Communicate regularly with them via phone, video calls, or social media.
b) Confirmed COVID‑19 patients often have symptoms such as regret and resentment, loneliness, helplessness, depression, anxiety and phobia, irritation and sleep deprivation, and even panic attacks.
i) Try slow breathing, relaxation, meditation, and mindfulness.
ii)If these symptoms are persistent or recurring, please seek professional help.