This archive report was first published on 15 June 2020.
Managing Covid-19 at Home ¶
Published on June 15, 2020, the government announced the release of asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic patients from hospital for home-based care. This shift in approach necessitates learning how to manage these patients effectively at home.
According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most Covid-19 patients recover from symptoms within a week. However, it is crucial to exercise absolute care during this period to aid the patient's recovery and ensure the safety of the caregiver and family members.
Guidelines for the Patient ¶
- Ensure they follow the doctor's instructions.
- Take medication as prescribed, setting reminders to avoid missed doses.
- Drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest, as advised by doctors.
- Prepare various fluids, such as fresh juice, soups, and flavored water, to encourage hydration.
- Limit contact with other people, keeping a safe distance and using a separate room for meals and personal activities.
- Have emergency contact numbers readily available in case symptoms worsen.
Guidelines for the Caregiver ¶
- Protect yourself by wearing gloves and a face mask when interacting with the patient.
- Use disposable gloves when handling the patient or cleaning their room, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
- Clean and disinfect your home frequently, paying attention to high-traffic areas and following the manufacturer's instructions for disinfectants.
- Wash and disinfect dustbins regularly.
- Wash the patient's laundry along with household laundry, using gloves and hot water where possible.
- Keep in mind basic protection measures: wash hands for at least 20 seconds, use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available, avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth until hands are washed, disinfect surfaces, and practice social distancing.
- Monitor your health and stay at home for 14 days after the patient recovers.
