How to treat COVID at HOME?

This Article is for COVID + folks who avoid hospitals due to cost/trust/capacity issues.

What to take, what to avoid, when to worry, when not to, protecting family, etc.

This is general advice; for personal treatment, Qs ask your doctor

Let’s start

• Use a separate room/bathroom/utensils etc for 14 d

• If only one room, divide it with a thick curtain/screen and stay behind it

• If only one bathroom, wear a face mask before going and wipe all surfaces as best after using toilet

• Don’t use steam/nebulizer in shared room

Home Medications:

• Most cases only need paracetamol/ibuprofen - whatever works for you. NO NEED for antibiotics. Record daily temp/breathing rate/pulse/BP if possible

• Sleep well. Eat well. Do whatever gives you peace of mind/reduce anxiety

• Recovery may take 2-3 weeks

What not to do:

• Actemra/plasma/remdesivir are all experimental. Don’t waste your time/money trying to get them

• Herbs, sanna makki, zinc etc. are not even being studied. Avoid

• We don’t use zithromax/HCQ/ivermectin/vitamins for COVID patients

• LESS is MORE. Believe it

Monitoring:

• Always wear a face mask around others

• Most smartphones have a “pulse oximetry app”. Use it. If pulse ox stays below 90 or BP falls below 90 systolic go to hospital/ask your doctor

• Patients over 60-65, with high BP, obesity, diabetes etc are at risk. Be safe

Duration of illness:

• Recovery may take 2-3 weeks. Remember: If you’re not getting worse, you’re getting better

• No need to get a repeat COVID test. Repeating labs tests/CAT scans may not always change outcome

• Know that 80-90% patients may recover at home if managed right

Worsening?

• If symptoms worsen, immediately call your doctor or go to the hospital

• Protect family members by staying away from them. Don’t lose hope or give in.

• Have faith. Have patience

• Don’t think it’s a punishment from God

• Remember in most cases mortality is ~1%

Declaring victory:

• End isolation after 14-days of symptom onset AND 3 days of no symptoms (without meds)

• Donate plasma

• Rejoice! You’ve crossed the bridge and are likely immune. We’re unclear about the duration of immunity

• Remember the ordeal. Stay God-fearing/kind/loving

FaheemYounus