An IT worker living in the city of Marripalem developed a cough and fever a few weeks ago and the RTPCR test at the state ENT hospital found he was COVID-19 positive. Like most of the others, he didn’t panic. The long lines for beds in the hospital convinced him that taking the prescribed medication in isolation at home was a better option.
The two-bedroom house he lives in with his wife and children turned out to be convenient for isolation, and in a few weeks the symptoms disappeared. Now he hardly goes out after a second confirmation test.
This is not an isolated incident, and over 15,000 patients are being treated in isolation in the district. In some cases, all family members are affected, but they manage everything at home by themselves. The lack of oxygen beds in hospitals forces some patients in need of oxygen assistance to use oxygen concentrators and bottles at home, aside from taking the required steroids through online consultation. They order medication, groceries and provisions online because they cannot mix with the crowd.
Free isolation option
People with mild symptoms who do not have a separate room to isolate themselves at home and cannot afford treatment in private hospitals can visit the Dr. Hegdewar Hospital, which is run by Vijnana Vihara in Gudilova on the outskirts of the city, are looking for a bed. The patients receive free food and accommodation here. For more information, call 9866958315 or 7989013401.
“People with mild symptoms should drink plenty of fluids and inhale steam twice or three times a day to kill the virus present in the airways. They should also check their oxygen saturation periodically with a pulse oximeter and, if saturation drops below 90 for two / three successive measurements, they should be hospitalized for oxygen support, “says Dr. B. Ramachandra Rao, Associate Professor at the State ENT Hospital.
“In isolation at home, the patient’s toothbrush should not be kept with those of the rest of the family. Keeping toothbrushes in washrooms should be avoided as the chances of virus spreading from the dresser are high,” says Dr. Kandarpa S. Srinivas, laser dentist and dental implantologist.
“Likewise, the plates and other utensils used by a patient should be handled separately. It is better if the recovered patient changes the toothbrush and tongue cleaner, or at least disinfects them immediately,” he adds.