Post-COVID care: Government recommends guidelines for home care and recovery

While COVID-19 continues to spread its wrath over the world, promising recovery rates have given hope to people that it's not the worst disease to battle. However, post-COVID care is something which needs attention, even after a person has tested negative for the virus.

Studies have detailed how the COVID causing SARS-COV-2 virus is likely to linger in your body, long after the virus load has depleted and exhibit unpleasant side-effects. Dubbed 'long COVID', estimates suggest that nearly 75% of patients who suffered from severe forms of infection return back to hospitals complaining of chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, stress and anxiety.

In some cities, COVID care clinics have also popped upon, to attend to patients needs.

COVID-19, much like any illness does take a toll on your body and one needs to exercise caution and avoid overstraining the body. The Union Ministry of Health also released some new guidelines for patients to practice post battling the viral infection.

Post an infection, most individuals do gain sufficient antibodies which prevent chances of reinfection. However, it's still not conclusive as to how long can immunity last. Reinfection cases have been documented as well. More so, for people who belong to a high-risk category, or are old, taking preventive measures to further safeguard immunity can be quite helpful. Hence, post-COVID infection, safety still should never be taken lightly.

While the guidelines recommend patients to wear a mask and practice social distancing, some of the statements can help a patient maintain holistic wellness and boost immunity. Take a look at these:

Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of fluids to replenish the organs is important. Drinking warm (make sure it's not extremely hot) water can be soothing for your throat, improve circulation and also reduce nasal congestion. Adding anti-inflammatory agents like honey or other herbs like mulethi (liquorice root) can also help.

The guidelines suggest that patients who continue to have a scratchy throat or have a dry cough to practice steam inhalation and do saline gargles as well. Herbs and prescribed medicines (if any) can also be added to the steam to relieve problems.

Patients can also drink vitalizing and helpful kadhas and other traditional concoctions to boost stamina and vigour.

A lot of COVID patients are suggested to practice exercises, especially breathing exercises to improve respiratory distress and relieve congestion, even when they are in recovery. Post a negative diagnosis, one should continue to practice these exercises. Working out can also improve your immunity. Start by doing simple stretches and taking it slow.

Therapeutic mediums, like yoga and meditation, can also aid speedy recovery and deal with stress tremors.

Daily practice of yoga asanas, such as pranayama is also advised if your health permits. Once you get back on your feet and feel energised, work can be gradually resumed.

Another vital step is to have vitamin and nutrient-rich diet to boost recovery. COVID exposes the body to a lot of stress and the medications can also weaken your body. Some patients also experience unexplained weight loss or weight gain. Hence, make sure to have a well-balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, eggs and safe poultry (if you are a non-vegetarian) to make up for the losses.

Try and have food which is well cooked and easy to digest for the body. Remember, your body is only just trying to get back to full force. Do not overexert or eat unhealthy.

Ensuring plenty of rest and proper sleep can help the body bounce back. Overstraining yourself, or taking the illness lightly is not going to help. Sufficient sleep and rest will ensure the body recovers well and you also ward off other risk factors.

Smoking and alcohol abuse can be risk factors for a COVID infection, and harmful for the body in the long run. Moderating your intake is always recommended.

If you have been prescribed some medicines by the doctor, or are suffering from pre-existing health issues, do not skip out on those. Follow proper dosing schedule and get necessary tests and checkups done.

The guidelines also advise patients to have immunity-boosting AYUSH medications, but only with a prescription.

Patients who had a severe infection or had breathing issues have also been asked to get an oximeter at home to keep a tab on their vitals. Pulse rate and blood pressure should also be monitored regularly, for the first few weeks after being declared COVID free.

Self-medication or medical abuse is not advised, at any cost.

Post recovery, your body is still in a vulnerable state and prone to infections. Spotting signs of worry, at the earliest, can save you from trouble. Some of the signs one should be on the lookout for include:

-Breathlessness

-High fever

-Tugging chest pain

-Delirium, confusion

-Extreme weakness

-Exhibiting symptoms of PTSD

-Gastrointestinal issues