News of COVID-19 cases rising and tallies of positive cases and deaths seem to never end as news continuously broadcast them. No matter how scary the numbers can get, nothing seems real until you know someone personally, afflicted with the same disease being broadcasted on television.
How do you care for a COVID-19 patient at home?
When a loved one gets sick, it would be a no-brainer to ultimately provide as much care and comfort as possible. However, how would this be possible if that loved one is struck by a high-risk virus that would put your own safety at risk if you get too close or let your guard down?
NPR talked to some COVID-19 recoverees and medical professionals and here are some points they shared when giving care to coronavirus patients.
Also Read: COVID-19 Reinfection Is Possible, Experts Say
1. Home Isolation
According to Dr. Paul Sax, a clinical director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Brigham and Women's Hospital, the first step in providing care is to isolate the infected person. As much as possible, let that family member stay in a separate room where they will eat and sleep.
Additionally, they should also use a different bathroom from the rest of the family. Although it's alright to enter the patient's room to drop off food, Dr. Sax advises both the patient and caregiver to wear masks.
Furthermore, it would be safer if the caregiver would put on a face shield or goggles, as the eyes are a potential entry point for the virus.
2. Focus on Symptomatic Relief
Since there isn't any verified treatment for the virus yet early during its course, Dr. Abraar Karan, a Harvard Medical School physician advises caregivers to focus on relieving the patient from their symptoms.
She adds that over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol for fevers and pain, or anti-cough medications are both options for people who don't have serious medical conditions.
3. Be Attentive, Supportive, and Present
Check on your loved ones often. You don't have to be physically present in the room with them to see how they're doing.
You can knock on their door three to four times a day just to say "hi" or ask how they're doing. If you're far away, you can reach them through video call, or better yet, go send them a thoughtful gift.
Because the recovery process is slow and done in isolation, Dr. James Aisenberg says it is important to find moments of human connection with family and friends between the stretches of alone time.
After being diagnosed with the condition himself, Dr. Aisenberg says its important for the patient's support system to be present, if not physically, then emotionally.
4. Be in Constant Communication with the Patient's Physician
Dr. Aisenberg also said it was essential to keep the communication flowing between the physician and the caregiver. Keeping meticulous notes on the patient's condition and recovery progress is also helpful in monitoring the condition.
COVID-19 is a new disease which scientists and medical experts are still trying to work out. It would be reassuring to ask someone knowledgeable about the disease about symptoms they might be experiencing and other matters related to the condition.
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