If you have just returned from hospital after battling the deadly coronaviris, keep in mind that the war is still on! So be ready for the fight that will now begin!
Once you have recovered from the acute stage of the disease, it’s essential to remain cautious particularly after discharge. The post-covid time-period demands a well-managed care. It also needs a constant watchful approach. Stay in home quarantine for as long as your doctor suggests.
Steps to be taken at home after discharge –
- Maintain Covid-19 appropriate behaviour and keep using masks, maintain hand and respiratory hygiene, and physical distance.
- Redirect your ongoing treatment and medications by including treatment for any pre-existing conditions.
- Keep monitoring yourself as it is important to track your daily oxygen levels and temperature.
- Be watchful of alarming signs. These include fever, breathlessness, low oxygen levels (Sp02 < 95%), unexplained chest pain, new onset of confusion, bodily weakness.
- If you are on blood thinners, closely watch on bleeding in the form of red-coloured urine, blood in stools/phlegm.
- If you are taking oral corticosteroids, watch your sugar levels.
- Eat a nutritious diet, take adequate hydration (with plenty of fluids) and ensure a sound sleep.
- Stay alert and voice your concerns regarding mental health.
- Once recovered you must start talking about the significance of the right reflexes at right time. You should also bust the myths and stigma around the disease.
- You must resume your work gradually and only after checking with your doctor.
- Covid-19 rehabilitation is tremendously helpful.
- You must think of following up with your doctor after 10 days from discharge.
While most recover from Covid-19 completely within a few weeks, some keep experiencing symptoms after their initial recovery. Conditions that persist for more than four weeks have been called Post-Covid syndrome or Long Covid. Elderly people and those with severe pre-existing medical conditions are the most likely to experience lasting Covid-19 symptoms. However, young, or healthy ones too can feel ill for weeks to months after recovery.
Also read: Long Covid: All You Need to Know
Covid-19 mainly affects the lungs. But since the body is interconnected, metabolic, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, rheumatological, haematological, and neurological complications are also reported as post-covid syndrome. To know more about Long Covid book an online consultation with a GP on DocGenie platform.
Some of the commonly reported issues faced by individuals after recovering from Covid-19 are –
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Cough
- Joint pain
- Chest pain
- Problems with memory, concentration or sleep
- Muscle pain or headache
- Fast or pounding heartbeat
- Loss of smell or taste
- Depression or anxiety
- Fever
- Dizziness when you stand
- Worsened symptoms after physical or mental activities
If you are experiencing any of the above signs book an online consultation with a GP on DocGenie and get yourself checked.
Also read: Long Covid: Symptoms, Effects, Causes and Treatment
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a severe post-covid condition. According to doctors, some children after being infected with the Covid-19 develop MIS-C weeks after recovery.
This condition is extremely serious as the heart, lungs, blood vessels, kidneys, digestive system, brain, skin or eyes get inflamed. If not treated, it could be life-threatening.
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) has many symptoms which can include:
- Fever
- Neck pain
- Abdominal pain
- Rash
- Vomiting
- Bloodshot eyes
- Diarrhea
- Feeling extra tired
If your child has any of the warning signs listed above, seek medical care immediately. Also, if your child has just recovered from Covid-19 book an online consultation with a Paediatrician on DocGenie. Our highly experienced children’s doctor will help you clear all doubts and suggest ways for post-covid care of your child.
You can try these tips to deal with post-Covid issues-
Fatigue
- Schedule your day according to your present energy levels.
- Take care to reduce energy consumption while engaging in an activity.
- Prioritise your tasks.
- Go slow.
- Do not ignore your feelings.
- Eat energy-boosting foods like bananas, apples, oranges and sweet potatoes. Drink warm lemon water with honey for rejuvenation.
You can also book an online doctor consultation on DocGenie and get guidance on treatment options from one of our GPs.
Also read: Post COVID-19 Complications: What You Should Know
Cough
For Dry Cough
- Drink fluids aplenty. Make a warm drink by boiling tulsi leaves in water and add honey and lemon. Drink it 2-3 times a day.
- Stay away from alcohol and sugary drinks for some time, as these are dehydrating agents.
- Keep sipping water slowly all day.
- Keep a throat lozenge in your mouth to keep your throat moist.
Cough with Sputum
- Go for steam inhalation twice or thrice a day, for about 15 minutes each time. This will loosen the phlegm and help it to come out.
- Sleep on a side rather than flat on your back.
- Take high-protein and high-energy drinks like bone broth, vegetables and lentil soup.
- You can also boil ginger, tulsi and black pepper in water for 5-7 minutes, and drink once it’s warm.
Anxiety
- Do not watch too much news or read too many social media posts; it can make you more anxious.
- Think of doing meditation or yoga which will relieve your stress.
- Communicate with friends and family over the phone and video calls.
Managing your Diet
- Many are finding that their taste has changed following covid. However, it is important to eat well and stay hydrated.
- Include beans, pulses, eggs, meat and other proteins in your diet. Eat less red and processed meat.
Here are some general dos and don’ts for those who have just recovered from Covid-
Dos
- Keep hyperglycemia in control and keep an eye on blood glucose level.
- Use steroid wisely – this includes correct time of taking the drug, correct dose and duration.
- While taking oxygen therapy, use clean, sterile water for humidifiers.
- Use antibiotics/antifungals sensibly.
Don’ts
- Do not fail to spot alarming signs.
- Do not regard all cases of blocked nose as bacterial sinusitis.
- Don’t ignore or panic if you notice black fungus symptoms. Consult an ENT specialist immediately. At DocGenie we have a band of reputed ENT doctors who can help you deal with these symptoms.
- Do not delay to look for medical intervention or to initiate treatment for mucormycosis.
DocGenie is an online telemedicine platform that provides you with quality healthcare from the comfort of your own space. On DocGenie, you can book an online consultation with highly-qualified doctors as well as book lab tests for home collection.