Most COVID-19 cases are mild or moderate, and can be managed at home. If you have been in close contact with a COVID-19 positive person, or you are showing symptoms, and think you may have COVID-19, here’s what you should do to take care of yourself, and when you might need to go to the hospital, explained in 5 simple steps. a. Rest, keeping distance from other people, or in a separate, well-ventilated room b. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated c. Wear a mask if others are in the room d. Have a nutritious diet e. Take paracetamol when you have fever, muscle pain or headache (take advice from a health care provider on the dose and how often to take it). If fever continues despite this, use a cold wet cloth on your forehead. f. Check your oxygen level with pulse oximeter if advised by your health care provider (see steps 4 and 5 below). g. Do not self-medicate except for paracetamol for fever/muscle pain/ headache h. If you have breathing difficulties, you are unable to get out of bed or care for yourself, you have chest pains, or if you become confused, dizzy or drowsy, get immediate help from a health care provider For the Public COVID-19 symptoms vary. Common symptoms are: fever, cough, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, red eyes, headache. It is severe if you have breathing difficulties, you are unable to get out of bed or care for yourself, you have chest pains, or if you become confused, dizzy or drowsy. Get immediate help from a health care provider if you or someone you know has these severe symptoms. STEP 1 Be aware of the symptoms of COVID-19 Look after yourself STEP 2 If you have COVID-19 symptoms, consult a health care provider, get tested If you’re advised to use a pulse oximeter STEP 4 a. If your oxygen level is 94% or above: continue to check your oxygen level as before b. If your oxygen level is 90% or more, but less than 94%: i. Consult a health care provider or seek hospital care ii. Use oxygen if you’re advised to by your health care provider (it may not be needed) iii. Your health care provider may prescribe steroids. If so, follow their instructions strictly. Do not self-medicate. iv. Rotating yourself in bed may help, including on your stomach, on your side, and sitting upright, if you are able to, for up to 2 hours at a time c. If your oxygen level is less than 90%, this is severe COVID-19: i. Consult a health care provider and seek hospital care immediately ii. Use oxygen as advised by your health care provider iii. Take steroids as prescribed by your health care provider iv. Rotate yourself in bed, including on your stomach, on your side, and sitting upright, if you are able to, for up to 2 hours at a time
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5 STEPS for Managing patients with COVID-19 at home
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