Healthcare Administrative Departments across the world, prioritize testing and treating high-risk individuals due to a limited supply of resources. In this situation, how do you take care of yourself or your loved ones if you suspect a COVID infection? How do you keep everyone safe? Read along to find out how and learn a few tips to take care of a Covid patient at home or in a non-healthcare setting.

Overview

When should you treat Covid at home?

Primarily there are two common scenarios where people who have tested positive are asked to take care of themselves at home.

The first scenario is when the healthcare system is bursting at the seams. That is, there is a huge spike of cases and the beds within hospitals are all filled or almost filled. 

This case was seen in a large number of countries where these spikes come with waves of Covid infections. In such situations, the healthcare department may give basic care and advice for the patient and then ask them to take care at home.

In the second scenario, the infected person may not display any symptoms or have only very mild symptoms and they do not have any underlying diseases. However, these individuals must stay in touch with their doctors to get real-time advice.

Additionally, if the doctor suspects a case of Covid and the patient is awaiting test results, they may recommend home care. 

Anyone who is sick with flu-like symptoms must stay at home - even if Covid-19 has not been confirmed- unless medical care is required.

Covid test at home

Detecting Covid is important to prevent its spread and treat it. Testing for Covid-19 at home is possible, several testing methods can be used for the same.

RT PCR Saline Gargle kit

These kits come with a saline solution that you should gargle for about 15 seconds. The saline solution is spat into the accompanying tube which will be sent to a lab for testing.

This is perhaps one of the most convenient methods of Covid testing available. However, the test results will take time depending on the logistics.

Covid Rapid Antigen Self Test Kit

These kits come with a nasal swab, a Test Card, a Prefill Extraction Tube, and a Disposal Bag. The nasal swab is used to collect samples from the nasal pathway. The sample is then dipped into the tube. 

The contents of the tube are tested for Covid with the test card. The results are out within 15 minutes. However, the results may not be as accurate as an RT PCR test and may not be very comfortable.

Apart from these testing methods, many diagnostic labs offer tests at home. They may send trained professionals to collect samples and send you the results online.

Treating Covid at home

Most people with Covid have mild symptoms and recover without much medical help. However, the disease should not be taken lightly and all precautions must be taken while dealing with it.

For the caregivers

Here are some tips to help you take care of a Covid patient at home.

Isolation

The patient affected with Covid-19 must be isolated. Ideally, they must have a separate room to themselves. If this is not possible, assign a part of the space to them and limit their movements to that area. 

Mask up

Both the patient and the caregiver must wear masks while providing care. If the patient is isolating in a room, wear masks when the caregiver enters the room. While using shared spaces, the affected person must wear masks.

Cleaning common areas

Disinfect the surfaces that the sick person frequently touches with a good household cleaner. Fumigating shared areas can also be considered.

Ventilation

Shared areas and the patient’s room must be ventilated properly. Let all that fresh air in. Simply opening the windows or using an air conditioning system. However, be cautious if the air conditioning is a centralized unit.

Laundry and Dishes

Be cautious while handling the dishes and laundry of the affected person. These should be cleaned as soon as possible with hot water, the hotter the better. 

Use gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after interacting with these. Have separate dishes, utensils, bed sheets, and towels for the patient.

Monitor their signs and symptoms

Monitoring the patient’s health conditions is necessary while treating Covid at home. Caregivers must check for any new signs, symptoms, or complications at least once a day. 

Use a pulse oximeter to keep an eye on the oxygen saturation levels of the patient.

Red flags 

The red flags vary depending on the age of the patient. However, here are some general red flags you must be wary of

1. Dip in oxygen level below 95.

2. Lightheadedness

3. Shortness of breath or heavier breathing

4. Chest pain

5. Increased weakness

6. Discoloration of lips or face

7. Inability to breastfeed infants

If you notice any of these, get medical help as soon as possible.

Do not allow Visitors.

All members of the household must go into quarantine to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Let your friends, family, and neighbors know if you have a Covid affected patient home and ask them to put off their visits for the time being.

For the Patient

If you are sick with Covid-19 or suspect to have Covid-19 and are to stay home, here are some tips that should come in handy.

Drink a lot of fluids

It is easy to get dehydrated when you are down with Covid-19. Ensure you get enough fluids each day. 

While you should be hydrated, do not overdo it. Drinking a lot of water can be counterproductive, resulting in water intoxication.

Stay at home

A basic rule is to confine yourself to your home. This prevents you from transmitting the disease to someone else. 

Even at home, it is best to limit your movements to a specific area away from others. Try to use a separate bathroom as well. 

Avoid using public transport.

In a case where you need to head out, like for a doctor’s appointment, avoid using public transport or share rides. Avoid interaction with people as much as possible.

Wash your hands often.

Use good soap and water to wash your hands often. Wash your hands after using the restroom or sneezing or coughing. 

Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t readily available. 

Wear masks

Wear masks whenever you are around someone or use a shared space. Doctors recommend wearing double or triple-layer masks.

Ensure you wear the mask properly so that it covers your mouth, nose, and chin. Do not wear masks if you have difficulty breathing; contact your doctor immediately.

Cover your coughs and sneezes

Use a tissue or handkerchief to cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. Dispose of the tissue in a covered trash can. Wash your hands immediately afterward

Coping with Stress

If you or someone you love are recovering from Covid-19, the experience might be stressful. Staying home away from your friends and family can fuel anxiety and loneliness. Dealing with stress and developing resilience is vital to help yourself and your loved ones.

Here are some tips to get you through these pressing times.

Set up a routine

Even if you are sick and stuck in a room or taking care of a loved one, come up with a routine. Sticking to this routine will help instill some sense of normalcy in you. 

Stay connected

Make use of phone calls, social media, video calls, or other means to stay in touch with your loved ones. Talk to them about how you feel and let them know if you need help.

Relax

Do activities you enjoy like reading, singing, video games, or watching a movie. Find some time to relax. You can also try deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. 

Avoid the news

The news often contains material that may add to your anxiety and stress. Avoid the news until you feel better. If you wish then maybe check it once or twice a day.

Healthy Lifestyle

The impact of a healthy lifestyle on your mental health cannot be emphasized enough and you are probably already aware. Regardless, here are some pointers:

Eat healthily and stay hydrated. 

Stress can cause you to overeat and mess up your metabolism. Additionally, keeping stable sugar levels will manage your emotions and moods.

Get enough sleep

A lack of sleep can aggravate your stress levels. Getting enough rest will help reduce stress levels.

Exercise

Exercise releases endorphins that help boost your mood. If you are sick then avoid sleeping during the day as much as possible. Use your bed only when you sleep.

If you were undergoing any treatment for anxiety or other mental health issues, take the medications and consult your doctor occasionally. 

Bottom Line

Covid-19 only develops mild symptoms that resolve easily with basic care in most cases. Caregivers must not overlook their health while taking care of loved ones. Take all safety measures while dealing with Covid patients. 

The situation might be stressful for both the patient and the caregiver. Take care of your mental health and offer support to those who need it.

Stay home, stay safe.