Step 1:
For the community - Recognize the symptoms of COVID-19
If you have typical symptoms of COVID-19 such as Fever - Cough - Sore throat - Loss of taste and smell - Muscle pain - Headache, call medical staff for advice and testing.
Severe symptoms of COVID-19 include: difficulty breathing, inability to get out of bed or take care of yourself, chest pain, dizziness, and lethargy. If you or anyone you know has the above severe symptoms of COVID-19, call medical staff immediately for assistance.
(5 steps to monitor COVID-19 patients at home, guidance for the community)
Step 2:
For sick people - Take care of yourself
People with COVID-19 need to rest in a private, well-ventilated room (if possible), or ensure a minimum distance of 2m from others.
If you have COVID-19, you need to drink lots of water to keep your body from becoming dehydrated, and make sure your meals are nutritious to increase your resistance. Remember, always wear a medical mask when in contact with others.
Self-care for COVID-19 patients at home
People with COVID-19 use paracetamol when they have fever, muscle pain, or headache. Please consult your healthcare provider about dosage and interval between doses. At the same time, you can apply cool compresses and wipe your body with warm water to reduce fever.
People with COVID-19 take care of their own health at home: Monitor oxygen levels.
People with COVID-19 when taking care of themselves at home should note:
- Monitor oxygen levels as directed by medical staff.
- Do not arbitrarily use medicine without instructions from the staff except paracetamol for fever/muscle pain/headache.
- If you have difficulty breathing, cannot get out of bed or take care of yourself, have chest pain, or feel dizzy, lightheaded, or lethargic, call medical staff immediately for assistance.
Step 3:
For COVID-19 patients and family members: Protect those living with you
To protect loved ones when F0 is treated at home, always keep distance from others, stay in a private room (if possible), with good ventilation. If you do not have a private room, please keep a distance of at least 2 meters from other people living in the house.
Infographic - Instructions for F0 treatment at home and family members to ensure safety
F0 and everyone in the house need to always wear masks when in contact with each other. Use separate eating and household utensils. Frequently wash your hands with soap and water or dry hand sanitizer.
Infographic - Instructions for F0 treatment at home and family members to ensure safety
Step 4: Use an oxygen concentration meter for F0 treatment at home
If F0 is advised by your doctor to use an oxygen level (SpO2) meter, make sure you know how to use the meter properly. If you don't know how to use it, ask your healthcare professional for instructions.
Use the machine to check oxygen levels 3 times a day, or as directed by medical staff.
Infographic - Using an oxygen concentration meter (SpO2) for F0 treatment at home
Step 5: Monitoring oxygen levels is important for F0
Oxygen concentration (SpO2) is very important. General instructions for monitoring oxygen levels in people with COVID-19 at home:
- Regardless of your oxygen levels, if you have difficulty breathing, cannot get out of bed or care for yourself, have chest pain, or you feel dizzy or light-headed, call medical staff immediately for assistance.
- If oxygen levels are above 94%, continue to monitor your oxygen levels.
Infographic General instructions Monitoring oxygen levels for F0 treated at home
Medical staff can provide individual detailed instructions, depending on F0's condition.
If oxygen concentration is ≤ 94%, call medical staff immediately or seek medical care and take medication as prescribed by your doctor. Change positions in bed: lying on your stomach, lying on your side, and sitting upright, each time for about 2 hours.
Infographic Instructions for F0 home treatment - If oxygen concentration is equal to or less than 94%
Source: https://moh.gov.vn/tin-tong-hop/-/asset_publisher/k206Q9qkZOqn/content/5-buoc-theo-doi-benh-nhan-covid-19-tai-nha