Health Ministry issues Post COVID 19 Management Protocol for recovered patients
Agencies. Updated: 9/13/2020 12:42:45 PM
National
NEW DELHI: Health Ministry has issued Post COVID 19 Management Protocol for follow up care and well-being of all post-COVID recovering patients. The protocol states that recovered patients may continue to report wide variety of signs and symptoms including fatigue, body ache, cough, sore throat, and difficulty in breathing. It said a holistic approach is required for follow up care and well-being of all post COVID recovering patients.
According to the protocol, such patients may continue COVID appropriate behavior like use of mask, hand and respiratory hygiene, and physical distancing. It advises drinking adequate amount of warm water and taking immunity promoting AYUSH medicine. If health permits, regular household work can be done and professional work must be resumed in graded manner. Mild to moderate exercise should be followed, such as daily practice of Yogasana, Pranayama and Meditation, as much as health permits or as prescribed. Breathing exercises as prescribed by treating physicians and daily morning or evening walk at a comfortable pace as tolerated should also be included.
Balanced nutritious diet must be taken, preferably easy to digest freshly cooked soft diet. Adequate sleep and rest is necessary. Smoking and consumption of alcohol must be avoided. At the community level, recovered individuals should share their positive experiences with their friends and relatives using social media, community leaders, opinion leaders, religious leaders for creating awareness, dispelling myths and stigma. They can take support of community based self-help groups, civil society organizations, and qualified professionals for recovery and rehabilitation process.
They can seek psycho-social support from peers, community health workers, and counsellor. They have also been advised to participate in group sessions of Yoga, and Meditation while taking all due precautions like physical distancing. The first follow-up visit, either physical or telephonic should be within 7 days after discharge, preferably at the hospital where the patient underwent treatment.