Must dos for home treatment of COVID-19 patients in new Health Ministry guidelines

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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.</p>
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Patients who have upper respiratory tract symptoms and/or fever WITHOUT shortness of breath or hypoxia are categorised as mild cases.</p>
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<strong>Must dos for mild disease being treated at home are:</strong></p>
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Physical distancing, indoor mask use, strict hand hygiene</p>
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Symptomatic management (hydration, anti-pyretics, antitussive)</p>
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Stay in contact with treating physician</p>
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Monitor temperature and oxygen saturation (by applying a SpO2 probe to fingers)</p>
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<strong>Seek immediate medical attention if:</strong></p>
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Difficulty in breathing or SpO2 is less than 93%</p>
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High grade fever/severe cough, particularly if lasting for more than 5 days</p>
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A low threshold to be kept for those with any of the high-risk features*</p>
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<strong>Moderate disease requires hospitalisation in case of any one of the following:</strong></p>
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1. Respiratory rate more than or equal to 24/min, breathlessness</p>
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2. SpO2 : 90% to less than or equal to 93% on room air</p>
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<strong>Severe disease requires admission in ICU at hospital in case of any one of following:</strong></p>
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1.         Respiratory rate more than 30/min, breathlessness</p>
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2.         SpO2 less than 90% on room air</p>
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<a href="https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/ClinicalGuidanceforManagementofAdultCovid19Patientsupdatedason17thJanuary2022.pdf"><strong>Link to details of the guidelines</strong></a></p>