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been doing a lot of research on COVID-19 since the news today and I came across UpToDate (gold standard research database for docs) and their information of everything COVID
i've summarized the treatment/management of symptoms if anyone needs it in the future! (hopefully not)
i've summarized the treatment/management of symptoms if anyone needs it in the future! (hopefully not)
but first - disclaimer: i'm not a medical professional and this thread shouldn't replace healthcare expert opinions and judgement
this is more so to be as informed as possible to help out a loved one if this does occur
link of full information: https://www.uptodate.com/home/covid-19-access
this is more so to be as informed as possible to help out a loved one if this does occur
link of full information: https://www.uptodate.com/home/covid-19-access
- for fever, muscle aches, or headaches, take acetaminophen (tylenol); if it doesnt help then you can take an NSAID like aspirin and ibuprofen (advil/motrin)
- drink lots of fluids, especially if you have a high fever
- drink lots of fluids, especially if you have a high fever
- if you have a cough or shortness of breath, self-proning (lying on your stomach) can help, and they recommend switching to your right side, then sitting up 60-90 degrees, and then left side, and cycling through that
- breathing exercises can potentially help as well
- breathing exercises can potentially help as well
- if you have a cough that is annoying and stops you from sleeping or is realllyy uncomfortable, then you can take dextromethorphan (buckleys, robitussin etc.)
- lots of rest, but once symptoms start feeeling a little better, then advance activity (make sure to practice social distancing and extra-thorough hygiene care)
- if you dont have low oxygen levels, then reposition frequently and try to move around
(I highly recommend buying a pulse oximeter (~$10-$30) for anyone with or without symptoms and monitoring changes twice a day - if it drops below 90-95%, speak with doctor)
(I highly recommend buying a pulse oximeter (~$10-$30) for anyone with or without symptoms and monitoring changes twice a day - if it drops below 90-95%, speak with doctor)
- monitor if symptoms get worse, especially if there's worsening shortness of breath
- track dizziness, mental status changes (like confusion), and oxygen levels, and if anything gets worse, then speak with doctor again
- track dizziness, mental status changes (like confusion), and oxygen levels, and if anything gets worse, then speak with doctor again
- keep track of timeline for everything (first day symptoms began, when new conditions appeared, progression of symptoms, etc.)
- worsening of breath and respiratory decline may occur on avg 1 week after onset of illness
- worsening of breath and respiratory decline may occur on avg 1 week after onset of illness
if you have other pre-existing conditions and risk factors, then its VERY important to speak with a doctor for additional information
- these include:
- these include:
if you have the access/ability, if you can purchase a pulse oximeter or a wearable that tracks SpO2, temp, breathing rate, etc. for anyone you feel like is at risk or for yourself, it's very helpful in being able to catch COVID before it happens or tracking during treatment
some wearables that I would recommend include:
- the new series 6 apple watch
- fitbit versa 3/2, charge 4, and the sense
- oura ring
they each have their pros/cons and price points
pulse oximeters are very cheap now:
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=pulse+oximeter&crid=304Y1WKE5PNZY&sprefix=pulse+%2Caps%2C188&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-a-p_1_6
- the new series 6 apple watch
- fitbit versa 3/2, charge 4, and the sense
- oura ring
they each have their pros/cons and price points
pulse oximeters are very cheap now:
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=pulse+oximeter&crid=304Y1WKE5PNZY&sprefix=pulse+%2Caps%2C188&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-a-p_1_6
but again, i am not a doctor/medical professional/expert. reach out to a doctor first if you or your family has symptoms. i am sure this database might not consider nuances that your healthcare provider might.
but let's do what we can to help each other and get through this
but let's do what we can to help each other and get through this
