You may have questions if you have coronavirus disease and are caring for yourself at home or for a loved one who has COVID-19 at home. How do you know when you require immediate assistance?
How long should you isolate for? What can you do to prevent the transmission of germs? How can you look after a sick family member while also controlling your anxiety? Well, we can guide you in this article regarding your queries and essential tips.
Perhaps, this can help you deal with this pandemic, especially with the new omicron variant.
At-home treatment
Most COVID-19 patients will only experience minor symptoms and will be able to heal at home. Symptoms may last a few days, and people who are infected with the virus should recover within a week.
Symptoms are treated with resting, liquid intake, and pain medications, among other things.
Older adults and persons of any age who have pre-existing medical conditions, on the other hand, should contact their doctor as soon as symptoms appear. Because of these factors, people with COVID-19 are more prone to become critically unwell.
For yourself or a loved one, follow the doctor’s advice on care and home isolation. Speak with your doctor if you have any treatment-related questions.
Assist the sick person in acquiring supplies and medicines, as well as, if necessary, taking care of his or her pet.
It’s also critical to consider the health consequences of caring for a sick individual. If you are older or have a pre-existing medical condition, such as heart or lung disease or hypertension, COVID-19 may raise your risk of serious illness.
You might wish to keep your distance from the sick person and find someone else to look after them.
Emergency warning signs
Keep an eye out for indicators of impairment in yourself or a loved one. If your symptoms seem to be growing worse, consult your physician.
A home pulse oximeter may be prescribed by the doctor, especially if the patient has COVID-19 and the symptoms and is at risk for serious illness. A pulse oximeter is a finger-clipped plastic gadget that measures blood oxygen levels.
The device can help with respiratory monitoring by sensing the amount of oxygen in the blood. If the number is less than 92%, hospitalization may be necessary.
Seek medical care right soon if you or the person with COVID-19 develops emergency warning signs. If the ill individual cannot rouse up or if you detect any emergency signals, such as:
- Breathing problems
- Chest discomfort or pressure that persists
- a new source of perplexity
- Lips or face that is bluish
- Being unable to stay awake
Protecting others
If you figure out you have contracted the virus, take the following measures to protect others:
- Stay away from work, school, and public venues unless you require medical assistance.
- Isolate yourself in one room as much as possible, away from your family and other people.
- As much as possible, take public transit, ride-sharing services, or taxis.
- As much as possible, avoid sharing space in your home. When using common places, keep your movements to a minimum.
- Every day, clean surfaces in your separate room and bathroom that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs, light switches, electronics, and worktops.
- Plates, towels, blankets, and electronics are examples of personal household products that you should not share.
- Wear a face mask when you’re among other individuals. Replace the face mask on a daily basis.
- Hands should be cleansed with soap and water at least once a day for at least 20 seconds.
Self-defense while caring for someone
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the following precautions if you are caring for someone who has COVID-19:
Maintain a clean face by keeping your hands away from your face
Washing hands with soap and water at least once a day for at least 20 seconds. Especially after coming into close contact with or being in the same room as a sick person.
If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol. Keep your hands away from your eyes, mouth, and face at a safe distance.
Put on a face mask
If you must be in the same room as the sick individual and he or she is unable to wear a face mask, wear one yourself. Keep a safe distance of at least 6 feet from the sick person.
While your mask is on, avoid touching or handling it.. Replace your mask with a clean, dry one if it becomes damp or dirty. Wash your hands after removing the used mask from your face.
Keep your house clean regularly
Every day, use house cleaning sprays or wipes to clean surfaces that are regularly touched, such as tables, tabletops, and door handles. As little as possible, clean the ill person’s separate room and bathroom. Only the sick person’s bedding and dishes should be set away.
Handle dishes with caution
The items can be cleaned in dishwashers or with soap and hot water. Wash your hands after removing the gloves or handling spent materials.
Keep your distance from the ill person’s bodily fluids
Use disposable gloves and a face mask during administering oral and respiratory therapy, as well as handling dung, urine, or other waste. Before and after discarding your gloves and mask, wash your hands. Do not reuse masks and gloves.
Keep unwanted visitors away from your home
You should not allow Visitors until the sick person has fully recovered with no indications or symptoms of COVID-19.
Conclusion
To conclude, you may stress out as you care for a loved one who is suffering from COVID-19. You may worry about your health as well as that of the sick individual.
This can affect your ability to eat, rest, and concentration, as well as worsen chronic health problems. It may also cause you to consume more alcohol, smoke more cigarettes, or use more drugs.
However, when using personal protective equipment, make sure you use good quality material. Purchase from authentic protective gloves suppliers or medical shops.
Furthermore, if you haven’t been fully vaccinated and are caring for someone with COVID-19, you should get tested at least 5 days after being exposed.
Read more: What are the Different Reasons for Nightfall?
