Bhubaneswar: Doctors authorised by Odisha government to talk about home isolation for COVID-19 cases Saturday said that many patients continue to see some symptoms post isolation period.
Jayant Kumar Panda, Head of the Medicine department of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, said that even after 17 days of home isolation and quarantine for COVID positive patients, some symptoms are prevalent and consultation with the doctors is needed before medications.
“It’s normal. During the post COVID days, there could be some nasal congestion and breathing issues in some patients. If patients who have opted for home isolation see such symptoms they need to continue some medications and consult their doctor for better treatment if such symptoms persist even after 17 days,” he said.
He also added, “Under home isolation, the patients need to use the drugs given by the government in the kit. They also need to measure their body temperature everyday and keep watch on any other symptoms. In case the health condition deteriorates they can contact the government and can get admitted to COVID hospitals.”
Panda said that under home isolation, the state government is providing Azithromycin (antibiotic), Paracetamol (anti-pyretic), Vitamin D and Vitamin C tablets and Levo-Cetrizine tablets. “In addition to this the patients with other disease/diseases should continue their medicines as usual. The kit also comprises the norms and suggestions on best ways to manage home isolation,” he said.
He also asked the caregiver/attendant to ensure isolation from the positive patients. “The caregiver/attendant needs to take special measures to prevent infection from the person who is under home isolation. They should not stay in the room where the patient is staying and not use their used products. They should use masks when they enter the room.”
The doctor also said that there is no need to go for another COVID test after 17 days of isolation and quarantine but asked for better care and rest for the last 7 days. “The seven days are important for recovery and patients should focus on good diet during this period. There is no need to go for COVID test again after 17 days,” he said.
Pragyan Routray, a doctor from CARE Hospital, spoke about who need to go for testing amid the pandemic. “All those who develop symptoms should go for COVID testing. Especially all those who have comorbidities must go for testing if they develop such symptoms. People who have mild symptoms and young with no cormorbodities and in the age group of 15 years to 45 years, can shun the test and stay in home quarantine for 14 days.”