The Health Ministry issued revised guidelines on Monday for the treatment of COVID-19 in adult patients which caution against use of steroids at the early stages of the disease and lay down “must dos” for home treatment in mild cases.
Patients who have upper respiratory tract symptoms and/or fever WITHOUT shortness of breath or hypoxia are categorised as mild cases.
Must dos for mild disease being treated at home are:
Physical distancing, indoor mask use, strict hand hygiene
Symptomatic management (hydration, anti-pyretics, antitussive)
Stay in contact with treating physician
Monitor temperature and oxygen saturation (by applying a SpO2 probe to fingers)
Seek immediate medical attention if:
Difficulty in breathing or SpO2 is less than 93%
High grade fever/severe cough, particularly if lasting for more than 5 days
A low threshold to be kept for those with any of the high-risk features*
Moderate disease requires hospitalisation in case of any one of the following:
1. Respiratory rate more than or equal to 24/min, breathlessness
2. SpO2 : 90% to less than or equal to 93% on room air
Severe disease requires admission in ICU at hospital in case of any one of following:
1. Respiratory rate more than 30/min, breathlessness
2. SpO2 less than 90% on room air
