The Sunday Mail
AS many Covid-19 survivors clinically recover from the global and deadly respiratory disease, post-infection home care interventions have increasingly become top priority.
By Wednesday, there were 72 745 492 recoveries, 2 163 534 deaths and 100 755 674 confirmed cases worldwide.
According to research, Covid-19 apparently has an excellent recovery rate. Early estimates predicted that the overall global Covid-19 recovery rate is between 97 and 99,75 percent.
Most people who contract the disease recover early and slowly return to their usual lifestyle.
Surprisingly, not everyone who catches Sars-Cov-2 virus will notice symptoms. And recovery usually takes between two weeks for mild cases and four weeks for acute cases.
Though symptoms normally disappear within weeks, there is need to exercise caution post-recovery. Notwithstanding the severity of the disease, the virus naturally damages the respiratory system.
According to research, the virus remains in the body despite the disappearance of clinical symptoms. As such, Covid-19 survivors must cautiously isolate for another seven days.
Biologically, the human body naturally becomes weak for some days after battling the coronavirus. Yet survivors with mild infection must be clinically alert during the post-infection period.
Long and short-term impacts of the disease are medically termed “Post-Covid Syndrome”. The syndrome is commonly characterised by chest pains, lethargy and generalised body aches.
Additionally, Covid-19 survivors frequently endure psychological stress. And this commonly leads to anxiety and depression.
It is, however, important to properly monitor the patient’s health and provide a timely post-infection care plan.
As the world obsessively focuses on Covid-19 statistics, post-infection home care interventions have particularly become important.
Clinicians generally encourage rest in the post-infection phase. Rest enables the body to primarily focus on healing. And getting enough sleep enables the body to speed up the recovery process.
Crucially, survivors must not abruptly resume their usual lifestyle as excess work, stress and anxiety make one ill.
Equally, a nutritious diet is essential in the post-infection phase. The right kind of food will certainly help survivors to gain the necessary strength in days.
And the diet must contain plenty of proteins such as legumes, nuts, boiled eggs, and meat. Proteins are nutritionally important in the repair of worn out tissues.
Critically, patients should frequently take small portions for easy digestion. And taking plenty of water enables the patient to stay hydrated. Eating at least one fruit per day is also advisable.
Generally, exercising may seem unappealing. But it is essential for a speedy recovery. Exercising primarily improves blood and oxygen circulation, and detoxification of the body.
Physiologically, exercising helps the brain to produce the happiness hormones – serotonin, oxytocin, dopamine and endorphins.
Happiness hormones are especially important in lifting up the survivors’ spirits. However, survivors must exercise according to ability.
It is advisable to routinely do favourite exercises and not to push self too much. Ten minutes of daily exercises will surely do the magic!
Coronavirus has been scientifically observed to damage brain and neural cells. As such, patients are encouraged to play memory games such as Sudoku, crossword and jigsaw puzzles.
Moreover, playing games help isolated patients to while away time without getting bored, or irritated.
As Covid-19 survivors clinically recover from the lethal virus, continual monitoring of blood oxygen saturation levels using an oximeter remains vital.
Though survivors can manifestly show signs of recovery, the possibility of lung damage is very high. Hence survivors must urgently visit the doctor if oxygen levels fluctuate and alarmingly dip below 90.
While contracting Covid-19 may give a certain degree of immunity from the disease, emerging studies have suggested that it is most likely temporary.
Henceforth, Covid-19 survivors must continue wearing face masks, washing hands with soap and water, or alternatively with an alcohol-based sanitiser and practise physical and social distancing.
Crucially, survivors with underlying conditions which require regular medication are strongly advised to closely monitor symptoms – checking blood pressure and sugar levels.
Physiologically, the coronavirus infection alters blood sugar levels. And the patient must consult the doctor for dosage revision.
Similarly, regular blood pressure monitoring in known hypertensive patients is essential to avoid accelerated hypertension-related complications.
Consequently, overlooking vital assessments may harmfully lead to “cytokine storm” – immune cells flooding and attacking the lungs they should normally protect.
And secondary complications such as pulmonary embolism, renal failure, liver dysfunction and myocardial infarction are highly common in post Covid-19 infections.
Ultimately, Covid-19 survivors must always be alert and practise home care interventions as the disease can cause long-term health consequences. Consult a doctor immediately if you experience shortness of breath, tightness in the chest and warm flushes.
Everisto Mapfidze is a registered general nurse who holds a Bsc Honours in Sociology (UZ). For feedback: Whatsapp: 263774042111 or Facebook: Health Talk with Everisto Mapfidze.
