Covid-19 has become the new common disease. Nowadays other diseases have lost their scare. Even a little bit of an increase in body temperatures gives everyone the chills. It is only right so, not about the part about being scared, but the part where you get yourself aware and tested when required. Look out for the symptoms. Do not wait for days to be sure, or else they may elevate to another level. Remember, treating a mild disease would be much better and comfortable for you than a serious one. A mild disease has a better prognosis.

People with co-morbidities like heart diseases, asthma, diabetes, etc need to be even more careful. A covid infection with such diseases can elevate and/or complicate the issue further. Usually, more than the covid infection, the complications are fatal. These may consist of pneumonia, low blood oxygen levels, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), organ failures, etc. But, treating at an initial time will avoid any complications that may arise in the future. 

Everybody knows at least one person in their family or friends who was or is infected with covid. They want to know the right ways to take care and get better. Here are the important methods and points to be kept in mind. Make sure you apply them and correctly so.

Precautions

The biggest problem of this pandemic is that the cases are increasing rapidly which is due to a high transmission rate of the virus. It becomes very important that you do not allow the infection to spread to your loved ones, neighbours or anyone. Make sure you wear a mask, if possible, a double mask. Cover your coughs and sneezes properly with the mask, hands or folded elbow.

Clean your hands often with soap and water. This is the best option. You can also use a sanitiser. Wash all your belongings properly. Maintain social distancing in the public. Make sure you stay away from the crowd, avoid any social gatherings and prevent the spread. Remember to inform the people with whom you were in contact in the past days, to take precautions or get tested.

Isolate yourself

Isolate yourself in a room for 15 days straight. Do not come in contact with any of your relatives or friends. Try to cheer up! These are surely testing times, but staying positive does matter a lot. Make sure your room has good air circulation.

Rest

Rest is very important. Make sure you sleep well. Do not push yourself to get up. Rest as much as your body requires. Try to change your body positioning. Avoid sleeping only in one position. Stretch yourself in between. Make sure that you are comfortable.

Diet

Eat well. You make have less appetite than before. But it is important that your body gets all the nutrients. This is also important for it to fight back the infection. Drink lots of fluids. Lemon juice is very good. Take lots of fruits. You may drink the homemade immunity boosting ‘Kadha’.

Smell and taste

Loss of smell and/or taste is a common symptom. But people may regain it in 5 days to 1 month or more. This depends on person to person. The smell and taste contribute to your appetite. This is also a reason for people to have lower appetites than before. But still, make sure you eat properly.

Exercise

Make sure you exercise. It helps to keep your body fit. It also helps to improve blood circulation, which is important for proper oxygen levels. Basic exercises like arms up and down, rotations, trunk twists, neck movements, etc can be done. Try to walk in your own room itself. You can march in one place. Different exercises or physical activities can be done. Dancing is a great way to exercise. It also helps to lift up the mood.

Breathing exercise

You should perform certain breathing exercises which will help you in improving and maintaining your oxygen levels. These will also help you in maintaining proper chest expansion.

Diaphragmatic breathing (belly breathing) can be done by keeping one hand on the chest and the other on the abdomen. Breathe in and get your stomach outwards. Breathe out and get your stomach inwards. Make sure your chest movements here stay the least.

Pursed lip breathing can be done to help increase oxygen levels and to keep airways open. Breathe in through the nose while keeping the mouth closed. Now purse your lips and slowly breathe out the air. Exhale longer than you inhale.

Chest expansion exercises with deep breathing can be performed. Move your arms straight up while breathing deeply in. Then move the arms down, while breathing out.

Coughing can be done to remove the phlegm. Make sure to cough it out.

Proning

Proning is a good way to maintain and improve your oxygen levels. You can lie on your stomach, keep pillows below your head, legs and arms. Make sure you are comfortable. You can also move to a side-lying position.

Yoga and meditation

Yoga is a great way to achieve good physical as well as mental health. Try to take time to meditate. It helps to relieve stress and depression. Humming is also a great technique that helps to produce nitric oxide in the nose. This helps avoid the virus to enter through our nose. This should be done by everyone to prevent infections.

Vitals

Keep a track of your vitals. You can maintain a sheet with different times of the day and record your vitals. If possible, try to get or borrow a thermometer and a pulse oximeter. When using a thermometer, make sure you do not touch the sensitive side of your teeth. Take a reading after 15-25 seconds as advised according to the type of thermometer you are using. Wash it well after every use. A pulse oximeter should be used on a resting hand. Wait for a few seconds to finally get the reading. Check for both hands. You can get 2-3 readings before finalizing one.

Watching symptoms

You should look out for any signs like trouble breathing, pain or pressure in the chest, a kind of confusion, inability to wake up or staying awake; pale, grey or blue coloured skin, lips or nail beds. If any such symptoms or new signs arise, contact the nearest doctor.

May the force be with you! Feel confident and relaxed. Positivity is actually the best policy here. You will get through it. Take your medicines and food on time. Limit your contact with others. Try reading novels, if you feel better, for small-time periods with rest intervals. You can also dance, listen to good songs and draw. Try to keep yourself in a good and positive mood. You can contact the doctor or the physiotherapist if you wish to understand anything better.