Managing Covid-19 at home — Guidelines by the Government’s Principal Scientific Adviser

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<strong>As the country faces the second wave of the Covid-19, the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India has come up with an important document to manage mild symptoms of Covid-19 at home. The document consists of curated information, presented in a simple visual reference.</strong></p>
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The reference advises people to not panic if they experience any Covid-19 symptoms, as the majority of people can manage their infections at home by following self-care measures. It cautions people not to self-medicate and not to use antibiotics or any supplements as a means of prevention or treatment of Covid-19. It says to use them only when directed by a doctor.</p>
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<strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/health-news/ayush-found-useful-in-treating-mild-to-moderate-covid-infection-84575.html">AYUSH 64 found useful in treating mild to moderate Covid-19 infection</a></strong></p>
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Listing the common symptoms of the disease, it recommends that at the first sign of experiencing the symptoms, like fever, dry cough, sore throat, breathing difficulty, body ache, loss of smell or taste, headache, fatigue, chills, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea, people should isolate at home and begin following self-care measures.</p>
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<img alt="" src="https://www.indianarrative.com/upload/news/Vaccination3.jpg" style="width: 926px; height: 650px;" /></p>
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<em>Vaccination is the key to check Covid-19</em></p>
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The guidelines go on to stress on the importance of isolation, resting, keeping hydrated and regularly monitoring the patient’s blood oxygen levels three to four times a day and temperature two to four times a day and consulting a doctor if the fever persists or if oxygen levels fall below SpO2 92%.</p>
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<strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/health-news/fresh-guidelines-for-ayurveda-and-unani-practitioners-for-covid-released-84249.html">Fresh guidelines for Ayurveda and Unani Practitioners for Covid-19 released</a></strong></p>
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The measures it suggests includes wearing a mask, preferably two by the patient as well as the family members; washing one’s own utensils and clothes, drinking at least two to three litres of water a day and resting as much as possible. It asks people to not worry or become anxious, as these interfere with the body’s natural immune response to fighting the infection.</p>
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<img alt="" src="https://www.indianarrative.com/upload/news/Handwashing_@CDCgov.jpg" style="width: 1151px; height: 647px;" /></p>
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<em>Washing of hands is a must IPic: Courtesy Twitter/@CDCgov)</em></p>
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The document also illustrates the positions that should be followed for proning to help improve lung oxygenation if the SpO2 levels fall below 94%. It also highlights the importance of keeping the patient’s doors and windows open to keep the room well ventilated.</p>
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The guide outlines the importance of getting vaccinated to reduce the spread of the virus. It also reminds people that even after being vaccinated, it is essential to continue to follow Covid appropriate behaviour like wearing a double mask, maintaining physical distance, washing hands with soap often and keeping home well ventilated.</p>