New Delhi: Amid reports of fatigue, body ache, cough, sore throat, difficulty in breathing among recovered patients, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Sunday issued post-COVID follow-up protocol.
“As of now, there is limited evidence of post-COVID sequelae and further research is required and is being actively pursued. Under such circumstances, a holistic approach is required for follow-up care and well-being of all post-COVID recovering patients,” the ministry said in a release.
Individual level
—Continue COVID appropriate behaviour (use of mask. hand & respiratory hygiene, physical distancing).
—Drink adequate amount of warm water (if not contra-indicated).
—Take immunity promoting AYUSH medicine prescribed by a qualified practitioner of AYUSH.
—If health permits, regular household work to be done. Professional work to be resumed in a graded manner.
Mild moderate exercise
—Daily practice of Yogasana, Pranayama and Meditation, as much as health permits or as prescribed.
—Breathing exercises as prescribed by the treating physician.
—Daily morning or evening walk at a comfortable pace as tolerated.
—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. The doctor to be always informed about all medicines that the individual is taking (allopathic/AYUSH) so as to avoid prescription interaction.
—Self-health monitoring at home: Temperature; blood pressure, blood sugar (especially if diabetic), pulse oximetry etc. (if medically advised)
—If there is a persistent dry cough/sore throat, do saline gargles and take steam inhalation. The addition of herbs/spices for gargling, steam inhalation. Cough medications should be taken on the advice of a medical doctor or qualified practitioner of AYUSH.
—Look for early warning signs like high-grade fever, breathlessness, unexplained chest pain, new onset of confusion and focal weakness.
Community level
—Recovered individuals to share their positive experiences with their friends and relatives using social media, community leaders, opinion leaders- religious leaders for creating awareness, dispelling myths and stigma.
—Take the support of the community-based self-help groups, civil society organisations and qualified professionals for the recovery and rehabilitation process.
—Seek psycho-social support from peers, community health workers and counsellors. If required, seek mental health support services.
—Participate in group sessions of yoga and meditation while taking all due precautions like physical distancing.
Healthcare facility setting
—The first follow-up visit (physical/telephonic) should be within seven 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 the potential for unknown drug-drug Interaction. which may lead to Serious Adverse Events (SAE) or Adverse Effects (AE).
—The patients who had undergone home isolation will visit the nearest health facility if symptoms persist.
—Severe cases requiring critical care support will require a more stringent follow-up.
Immunity promoting AYUSH medicine
Ayush Kwath (150 ml, 1 cup) daily, Samshamani vati twice a day 500 mg (1 gm per day) or Giloy powder 1-3 grams with lukewarm water for 15 days, Ashwagandha 500 mg twice a day (1 gm per day) or Ashwagandha powder 1-3 grams twice daily for 15 days and Amla fruit one dally/Amla powder 1-3 grams once daily.
Mulethi powder (in case of dry cough) 1- 3 gram with lukewarm water twice daily, warm milk with half-teaspoonful Haldi (morning/ evening), gargling with turmeric and salt, Chyawanprash 1 teaspoonful (5 mg) once daily in the morning (as directions from the Vaidya).
The AYUSH Ministry has also suggested the use of Chyawanprash in the morning (1 teaspoon with lukewarm water/milk) is highly recommended (under the direction of a registered Ayurveda physician) as in the clinical practice, Chyawanprash is believed to be effective in the post-recovery period.
