Most governments have now figured out that people who have tested COVID positive with mild illness can recover, by following the protocols and being quarantined, at home itself and do not need to be admitted to the hospital. If you or your loved one has tested positive with mild or no symptoms, here are a few rules that will help you take care of yourself or your family member.
Taking care of a COVID patient at home:
1. Separate all the daily necessities - Do not share your personal items. Manage separate towels, linens, toiletries, dishes, glasses/cups and all the items that may lead to any kind of spread.
2. As per a doctor’s prescription, try and use over-the-counter medicines to make the patient feel better. Have them follow the doctor specified diet and include lots of fluids to stay hydrated.
3.The patient should be give simple, home cooked meals with lots of nourishing liquids such as warm water, soup, hot green teas etc. Coconut water is also suggested. Avoid heavy, spicy or very oil foods and cold drinks.
4. According to WHO, the patient should avoid using shared spaces wherever possible, so it is vital to keep them in a well-ventilated single room with open windows and an open door and an attached bathroom if possible.
5. Ensure the patient means regular hygiene routine. Also, give her/him access to some music or books or meditation music for relaxation in his room.
6. Make sure the patient has a proper mask at all times in anyone’s presence. This will lower the chances of virus spread.
7. Immediately check with the doctors if you see the symptoms turning worse. For instance; they start experiencing trouble while breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusions, inability to wake or stay awake or bluish lips or face. Always keep the concerned doctor’s number handy.
8. Keep the patient's morale high by talking to him/her frequently and cheerfully. Don't let him feel the weight of the disease mentally.
Self care while caring for a COVID patient at home:
1. Follow the self-hygiene and physical care protocol by washing your hands often, not touching your face and wearing gloves and masks while coming in contact with the patient at home.
2. Have meals in separate rooms and avoid sharing the spaces in the house with the patient unless absolutely necessary. If sharing the bathroom is inevitable, make sure to carry out the disinfecting procedures thoroughly.
3. Follow disinfection and cleaning procedures often. Keep sanitizing the common things like electrical switches, doorknobs, handles, sinks, remote controllers, toys, mobile phones and things and places where you touch more often.
4. Keep tissues handy and sneeze and cough into the tissues and dispose of them immediately after a single-use.
5. It is essential for you to keep a track on your own health while caring for a COVID patient at home. Look out for any symptoms, stay indoors, avoid going out often. Post caring session, try and isolate yourself for 14 days to get over any risk factors.
6. Focus on building your and your family member’s immunity. Eat healthy food, drink lots of water, avoid junk. Ask your daughter if there is any supplement--zinc or vitamin C--that you could start to boost your immunity. Have lots of warm and hot liquids such as soups, green teas, concoctions of mixed herbs etc.