How to treat coronavirus

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

There are no specific drugs for COVID-19 yet.

So far, world medicine can offer sick people only symptomatic and supportive (what helps the body survive while it is fighting the coronavirus itself) treatment. And this therapy is always prescribed by a doctor after a free test for SARS ‑ CoV ‑ 2.

Therefore, if you have a high fever, an obsessive dry cough, severe weakness, urgently call your local therapist.

Call an ambulance (103 or 112) if:

• difficulty breathing (for example, it became difficult to breathe or more than 30 breaths per minute are taken at rest);
• there is a constant pain or tightness in the chest;
• there is a clouding of consciousness or the person fell asleep and cannot be woken up;
• lips and face have acquired a bluish tint.

Who is hospitalized for coronavirus and who is left at home

The doctor also makes a decision about this, based on the results of the coronavirus test, the patient's well-being, travel histories and other factors. In Moscow, sick people are hospitalized if:

1. They are at risk. This includes those over 65, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases (diabetes mellitus, chronic heart failure, respiratory system disorders - bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
2. They live with people at risk, and those cannot be resettled.
3. Their temperature is 38.5 ° C and higher.
4. I have breathing problems.
5. The frequency of inspiration is more than 30 per minute.
6. The oxygen saturation of the blood is less than 93%.

The rest can be treated at home.

How to treat coronavirus at home

Let's repeat: there are no special drugs for coronavirus. Like most respiratory infections, COVID-19 is mostly treated symptomatically. This means that the main goal is to alleviate the condition of a person.

In 80% of people, the disease is mild. So your chances of getting off with fright and signs of a common cold (maximum - flu) are very high. If everything is in order, within 3-5 days after the first symptoms appear, you will be on the mend.

Drink more

Adequate moisture in the body is a prerequisite to speed up recovery.

Ventilate the room

This will reduce the concentration of viruses in the air and help your body heal the infection faster.

Take a rest

The body needs strength to fight disease, so don't waste it on work or physical activity until you feel better.

Ease pain and discomfort

For these purposes, over-the-counter pain relievers based on paracetamol or ibuprofen are suitable. The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation believes that any of these options is equally effective in the conditions of COVID-19.

Strictly follow your doctor's orders

Some medications may be prescribed by your therapist. For example, expectorants to relieve coughs.

More serious drugs can be prescribed - anti-inflammatory and antiviral. Thus, the algorithm for providing medical care to patients with COVID-19, published by the Moscow Department of Health, prescribes treatment with a combination of lopinavir and ritonavir. Preparations containing this active ingredient are available only with a doctor's prescription.

Monitor your condition

Call your healthcare provider right away or call 103 if you experience any of the following symptoms with COVID-19 home treatment:

• The temperature rose to 38.5 ° C or more.
• You have shortness of breath or other breathing problems.
• Dry obsessive cough intensified or appeared if it was not at the time of diagnosis.
• The blood oxygen saturation indicator dropped below 93% (measured with a pulse oximeter, the device can be bought at a pharmacy).

Such symptoms mean that severe pneumonia is developing. The lungs are damaged and the person experiences oxygen deprivation. Urgent hospitalization is required.

How is coronavirus treated in a hospital

The therapy regimen in each case is selected individually. The patient may be prescribed anti-inflammatory and antiviral drugs or antibiotics to prevent or minimize the effects of bacterial complications.

Depending on the severity of the condition, oxygen therapy (inhalation of air with an increased oxygen content) or connection to a ventilator is possible.

How it is determined that a person has recovered

The patient is discharged or quarantined if he no longer has symptoms of the disease, and two tests for coronavirus, carried out within 48 hours, were negative.

Coronavirus. Number of infected:

242 994 722

in the world

8 131 164

in Russia View map