COVID – 19 disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus is relatively a new disease, the post-recovery events are not widely known. After acute COVID-19 illness, recovered patients may continue to report wide variety of signs and symptoms including fatigue, body ache, cough, sore throat, difficulty in breathing, etc.
As of now there is limited evidence of post-COVID sequalae and further research is required and is being actively pursued. A holistic approach is taken up by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for follow up care and well-being of all postCOVID recovering patients.
In this regard MOHFW has provided an integrated holistic approach for managing patients who have recovered enough from COVID for care at home. The recovery period is likely to be longer for patients who suffered from more severe form of the disease and those with pre-existing illness.
But It is not meant to be used as preventive / curative therapy.
In Post-COVID Follow Up Protocol,one should Continue COVID appropriate behaviour (use of mask, hand & respiratory hygiene, physical distancing).Must take Balanced nutritious diet, preferably easy to digest freshly cooked soft diet. Have adequate sleep and rest. Avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol.
Take regular medications as advised for COVID and also for managing comorbidities, if any. Doctor to be always informed about all medicines that the individual is taking (allopathic/AYUSH) so as to avoid prescription interaction.
If there is persistent dry cough / sore throat, do saline gargles and take steam inhalation. The addition of herbs/spices for gargling/steam inhalation (refer to Annexure I -attached with details). Cough medications, should be taken on advice of medical doctor or qualified practitioner of Ayush.
In healthcare facility setting POST COVID patient must have The first follow-up visit (physical/telephonic) within 7 days after discharge, preferably at the hospital where he/she underwent treatment.
Subsequent treatment/follow up visits may be with the nearest qualified allopathic/AYUSH practitioner/medical facility of other systems of medicine. Poly-therapy is to be avoided due to potential for unknown drug-drug interaction, which may lead to Serious Adverse Events (SAE) or Adverse Effects (AE).
Details including Annexure I :PostCOVID13092020
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