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* All the measures and guidelines that are highlighted below are gathered and summed up from trusted organizations like WHO and other government or research portals. *
* If you come across any contradicting statement regarding facts and figures in this article, feel free to propose an argument in the comment section provided below. *
Today, after more than six months of nationwide & statewide lock-downs implemented, we're observing no good signs of getting a break throughout this pandemic. As the number of testing increases day by day, the new corona-virus cases reported each day continues to rise.
Now as we know everyone is getting back to their usual life after the government has released the unlock guidelines, a large number of people among the public are proving it difficult to follow even simple rules of wearing a mask and follow more social distancing.
Also, the mass media in India has lost the curiosity to cover the seriousness of the global pandemic unlike it was a few months ago. Meanwhile, we're getting to know the utter ground realities from different corners of the country, where people aren't being provided the basic needs including a COVID bed to facilitate the treatments in government hospitals. And if you prefer to go for a private hospital facility, be ready to invest a lifetime of savings if you belong to a middle-class family. Read here about a similar incident to get a rough idea.
"How do I protect Myself and my Loved Ones?"
"Prevention is always better than cure"
- Use, not just a face mask but "a three-layer fabric mask" as recommended by WHO. Watch the related video here now.
- Clean your hands frequently with an alcohol-based sanitizer when in a public place or wash them with soap for 20 seconds before entering your home.
- Maintain at least 6 feet gap between self and other people in crowded places.
- Do not touch your face in public places or events gathering. See the complete information here.
"Where do I get a Three-layer Fabric Mask?"
For better safety, WHO recommended a 'three-layer fabric mask' which isn't a 'rocket science concept' but simply consists of three layers, affordable, and is available at almost all retail mask distributors. Or you can possibly try a 'DIY' at home. Here's a helpful youtube video by WHO attached:
"How do I know if I am infected?"
The early symptoms of COVID-19 are mostly fever with a temperature of 100.4°F or higher including cough, sore throat, chills, muscle pain, breathing difficulties, headache, or pneumonia in severe cases.
Research got conducted in April 2020 when a spectrum of disease severity has been reported about an altered sense of smell or taste in patients as a new COVID-19 symptom with 64.4% prevalence.
More than 200 patients completed a telephone survey reporting about it with other symptoms including
Dry cough(60.4%), Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties(41.1%), Dry cough(60.4%), Fever(55.5%), Headache(42.6%), Muscle pain(44.6%), Sore throat(31.2%), Fatigue(68.3%).
"I've got a few symptoms, Now What Should I do?"
Isolate yourself at Priority
You must stay home and isolate yourself in a separate room. Avoid going to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis to approach for medical care. You can also use the grocery delivery service in an emergency or may ask your friends or relatives to help with the essentials.
Use a face mask while staying indoor to prevent further contamination which is highly dangerous for other people or animals. Use disposable latex hand gloves before touching surfaces or goods at public places which are easily available in medical shops.
Contact your Doctor or Healthcare provider
Immediately contact your doctor or healthcare provider about the same. If you are unable to reach a doctor, dial the central helpline number(India) for corona-virus: - +91-11-23978046 and a toll-free number -1075
Follow the given link to download the COVID helpline no. for all states & union territories of India.
Get your COVID-19 Test done in the nearest testing center
Click here to get redirected to government-approved testing centers for COVID-19 in all corners of India
WhatsApp Helpdesk By Government of India
Type ‘Hi’ into the chatbox you will receive a response for the same. They may respond in case of any COVID emergency or if the person has to enquire about any doubts regarding the same.
I am Confirmed Positive for COVID-19!
Immediately call for a Sanitization service by getting in touch with your local police or government helpline provided above or via the Internet.
Do not panic and continue monitoring your symptoms.
Immediately plan and store your 30 days of food & essentials supply. Read- What to stock up for COVID-19?
The possibility of getting a COVID bed at a government hospital is nearly impossible now unless it's a too-critical situation. India is experiencing almost 1 lakh new cases every day. Basically, you will be advised to monitor your symptoms throughout self-isolation at your home. The concerned medical authorities will guide you subsequently on medication and may promise you a visit once or twice a week.
"Not able to get a response from govt helplines. What Should I be doing now?"
Immediately contact the nearest doctor to get professional assistance by using a phone call or ask a friend or family member to get in touch.
You may find incidents on Social Media about people experiencing a lack of proper assistance through government facilities. It can depend on several factors based on your location and corresponding governance.
Another door opens to private hospitals that are way too expensive, not affordable for a middle-class family person. At this moment one possible thing to do is to follow your treatment guidelines while isolating yourself at home for at least 14 days from the day you gained symptoms.
A New Delhi report told that almost 90% of the people who practiced home isolation with either no symptoms or mild symptoms like mild fever or cough, didn’t need to be hospitalized and recovered successfully.
Hereby provided some important supplies as suggested by health experts that will be a help in a time of Emergency.
Stock up on oxygen cylinders
In order to fight the infection for a severe case, the body needs a good oxygen supply. People suffering from heart or lung-related diseases need special care as COVID-19 is a respiratory infection that mainly affects the respiratory organs, leading to oxygen deficiency. One can buy an oxygen cylinder online or from another distributor to tackle an emergency situation at home under a professional's guidance.
Get an Oximeter
For healthy people, the oxygen saturation level in the body is 95 % and above. which if fell below 75% among Covid-19 patients may cause emergency or possibly death. (Source) .Below here is a suggestion to consider:
Stock up at least 45 days of medication.
Rehydration Solutions
The new viral infection may cause mild to moderate dehydration by increasing body temperature through fever, causing severe conditions of appetite losing, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. So one of the natural ways to combat the viral illness is through subsequent hydration by drinking plenty of fluids.
Vitamin C Foods
Experts have suggested to include 60 to 90 milligrams of Vitamin C on a regular diet however, the effectiveness also depends on its natural transporter expression.
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