By now we know that COVID-19 patients may struggle with a wide variety of symptoms post their initial treatment. Symptoms of blood clotting, shortness of breath, fatigue, etc. are well documented and talked about. However, the psychological symptoms like depression or anxiety can go undetected. The psychological symptoms can affect COVID-19 patients without any prior history of such conditions.
The time of recovery from Long COVID Fatigue varies from patient to patient. Doctors opine that most patients take between 4 to 12 weeks to fully recover from this. A post COVID care program can help these patients as they try to regain their normal life back.
By now it has become clear that the Coronavirus infection damages multiple organs like lungs, heart, brain, kidney, etc. In cases of long haul COVID, it becomes all the more crucial to watch out for any substantial damage to other organs of the body.
COVID has many silent complications. It affects multiple organs and body systems – making hospitalization necessary sometimes. However, there are times when a patient continues to experience symptoms and distress even after discharge from hospital or completion of treatment tenure. This can be an indicator of Long COVID.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has addressed some of these questions in it’s FAQ document. The document addresses questions around impact of COVID-19 on people with hypertension, diabetes, and heart diseases. It provides useful tips for such patients on minimizing exposure and associated risks, medications, daily habits, hygiene etc.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued a revised discharge policy for COVID-19 patients. The policy is aligned with the guidelines on the 3 tier COVID facilities and the categorization of the patients based on clinical severity.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has spared none. But it has been more brutal to people who are in an immunocompromised state. For example, cancer patients have weakened immune system. This makes them all the more susceptible to COVID-19 infection, especially when they visit hospital for follow-up or clinical procedures.
As COVID-19 attacks mind and body, patients often experience weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, etc. Performing daily activities can become difficult for such patients. These physical impairments add to the stress of the patient.
The new strain or COVID double mutant is thwarting containment efforts of the country and putting the existing healthcare system under tremendous stress. Given this situation, healthcare authorities are recommending mildly symptomatic and asymptomatic patients be treated under home quarantine. This makes the role of home care services more crucial than what it was during the first wave.
ln view of setting in of 2nd wave of COVID 19 in the state, wherein the positive cases are increasing alarmingly, the following guidelines are issued by the Government of Karnataka to facilitate the effective management of patients, both under home isolation / home care and at COVID care centre, Designated COVID Health centre or Designated Covid Hospital.