Bhubaneswar: With the patients recovering from COVID-19 complaining of various unhealthy symptoms, the state government on Wednesday released an advisory of post-COVID follow-up and management protocol.
The advisroy issued by Health and Family Welfare department stated that after acute COVID-19 illness, recovered patients may continue to report wide varieties of signs and symptoms including fatigue, body ache, cough, sore throat, difficulty in
breathing, increased incidence/worsening of coronary artery disease, impaired cognitive function, persistence of taste and smell abnormality besides depression, anxiety and fear. Further, the instability in the course of diabetes, asthma and COPD are frequently reported.
Following follow-up measures post COVID-19 are suggested:
At individual level
- Continue COVID appropriate behaviour (use of mask, hand & respiratory hygiene, physical distancing).
- Drink adequate amount of warm water (if notcontra-indicated).
- If health permits, regular household work to be done. Professional work to be
resumed in graded manner.
- Daily practice of Yogasana, Pranayama and Meditation, as much as health
permits or as prescribed. - Breathing exercises as prescribed by 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. Look for early warning signs like high grade fever, breathlessness, unexplained chest pain, new onset of confusion, focal weakness and report to doctor.
At the 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 support of community based self-help groups, civil society organizations, and
qualified professionals for recovery and rehabilitation process (medical, social,
occupational, livelihood).
• Seek psycho-social support from peers, community health workers, counsellor. If
required, seek mental health support service.
• Participate in group sessions of Yoga, Meditation etc. while taking all due precautions
like physical distancing.
At healthcare facility setting
• The first follow-up visit (physical/telephonic) should be within 7 days after discharge,
preferably at the hospital where he/she underwent treatment. Thereafter, regular follow up at the hospital level should be done at 4 weeks and 12 weeks after the discharge.
• The patients who had undergone home isolation, if they complain of persisting
symptoms, will visit the nearest health facility.
• Severe cases requiring critical care support will require more stringent follow-up.
During hospital follow up:
At 4 weeks:-
• The patients shall be assessed physically face to face
• Follow up chest x-ray, if required ,shall be done
At 12 weeks:-
Discharged patients shall be subjected to
• Chest X-ray
• Pulmonary Function Test
• Measurement of Oxygen Saturation
• Echo Cardiography.
