Being infected with coronavirus, getting hospitalised and treated is one battle and recovering at home after the whole process is over, is another.
Getting back to routine involves fighting small battles every day. According to the guidelines issued by various health agencies, here are some of the symptoms a patient is likely to experience during and after COVID-19 treatment, News 18 reported.
- Low energy levels and early fatigue.
- Difficulty in breathing, and becoming breathless with even a little bit of physical activity.
- Chest congestion and excessive phlegm.
- Cough with phlegm.
- Loss of appetite and altered taste in the mouth.
- Headaches.
- Lack of concentration.
- Anxiety and fear.
- Insomnia.
- Some of the symptoms will get better on their own, as time passes. Other symptoms will require patience and effort from your side. However, the actual recovery may take a much longer time, the report added.
How to manage dry cough
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water (lukewarm preferably
- Take small sips of fluids instead of taking large sips to facilitate swallowin
- Steam inhalation is necessary to cure a dry cough.
- So pour hot water into a bowl and put your head over the bowl and breathe in the steam. If comfortable, cover your head and bowl with a towel. You can also use a steam inhalation machine if you have one.
- Drink warm honey and lemon or another warm drink like ‘kadha’ to soothe an irritated throat.
- Saltwater gargle or Betadine gargle (1 part betadine & 3 part of water) can be effective for treating a sore throat.
- If you feel the need to cough but don’t have a soothing drink or water at hand, swallow repeatedly.
How to manage a productive cough
Ensure that you dispose of your sputum in a sink where you dispose of your sputum is regularly disinfected.
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Keep yourself hydrated with lukewarm water, broths, soups, herbal teas and kadha.
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Lie on either the left or the right side, instead of lying on your back. This might help drain the phlegm faster.
- Movement makes the lungs function, and it can also move the phlegm to facilitate your spitting it out. So, try to be mobile by walking around your room
How to manage fatigue
- Plan for demanding (physically, mentally) and repetitive tasks.
- Regular staggered breaks during a day allow for both physical and mental restoration as well as social distancing.
- Days off during the week.
- Plan your daily schedule to allow you a better plan for completing your work as well as sleep between work periods 14
Quit smoking
Smoking negatively impacts lung health, inhibits the body’s responsiveness to infections, and suppresses immunity. Compared to non-smokers, smokers are 2.4 times more likely to be admitted to an intensive care unit, need mechanical ventilation or die, according to a study, the report added.
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