The suggestions have been issued amid growing cases of recovered patients returning to hospitals for post-Covid care.
The Ministry of Family Health and Welfare, in a statement, said a holistic approach is required for the follow-up care and well-being of all patients in recovery after Covid.
The “Post-Covid Management Protocol” lists three sets of instructions: for individuals, for society, and for healthcare facilities.
#IndiaFights Corona Ministry of Health issues Post # COVID19 Management Protocol. A holistic approach is required to… https://t.co/4smH35hFDo
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The health ministry has been informed that after acute illness from Covid-19, recovered patients may continue to witness a wide variety of signs and symptoms, including fatigue, body aches, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath.
The Health Ministry said that a recovered person must continue with the appropriate Covid behavior, that is, use of a mask, hand and respiratory hygiene, physical distancing.
“Drink an adequate amount of lukewarm water (if not contraindicated). Take AYUSH immunity-promoting medication as prescribed by a qualified AYUSH physician. If health permits, regular household chores should be performed. Professional work will resume in a conduct. ”
“Immunity-promoting AYUSH medications such as Chyawanprash, Ayush Kwath, Turmeric Milk, Samshamani Vati, Giloy Powder, Ashwagandha, Amla Fruit, Mulethi Powder, and Gargle with Turmeric and Salt are believed to be effective in the post-mortem period. These should be taken only after being prescribed by qualified doctors authorized by law to prescribe the drug / therapy under the specific stream, “said the ministry of health in the guidance note.
The document also states that light and moderate exercises can be performed, such as daily practice of yogasana, pranayama, and meditation. Breathing exercises as prescribed by the treating physician and daily morning or evening walks at a comfortable pace as tolerated, he said.
“A balanced nutritious diet should be consumed, preferably easy to digest, a freshly cooked soft diet. A recovered patient needs enough sleep and rest. He should avoid smoking and alcohol consumption,” the document reads.
He also said that recovered Covid-19 patients should take regular medications as recommended for infection and also to monitor for comorbidities, if any.
The physician should always be informed about all the medications the individual is taking (allopathic / AYUSH) to avoid prescription interaction, he said. If recommended by a doctor, a recovered person can monitor their own health at home, such as measuring temperature, blood pressure, blood sugar (especially if diabetic), pulse oximetry, etc.
“If there is a persistent dry cough / sore throat, gargle with saline and inhale steam. Cough medications should be taken with the advice of a doctor or a qualified Ayush practitioner,” the government document said, adding that a person needs to watch out for the first warning signs such as high fever, shortness of breath, unexplained chest pain, new onset of confusion, focal weakness.
In a healthcare facility setting, a patient must make the first follow-up visit (physical or telephone) within 7 days of discharge, preferably at the hospital where the person underwent Covid-19 treatment. Subsequent follow-up visits can be made with the nearest qualified healthcare facility, according to the document.
“Combination therapy should be avoided because of the possibility of an unknown drug-drug interaction, which can lead to serious adverse events (SAEs) or adverse effects (AE),” he said, adding that patients who had undergone home isolation and still complain of persistent symptoms should visit the nearest health center.
Severe cases that require critical care support will require closer monitoring, he further said. So far, the total coronavirus cases have passed the 47 lakh mark in India with 78,586 deaths from Covid-19.
At least 78,399 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours in the country. With this, the total number of recoveries has touched 3,702,595 bringing the recovery rate to 77.88 percent, the Health Ministry said on Sunday.
(With inputs from agencies)
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