Thread by @danielgoyal

Covid-19 at home.

➡️ Some signs of severe Covid-19 to look out for while at home.

As requested by some Tweeples...here is a non-technical summary of this BMJ paper.

1/5

The paper is publicly accessible here: bmjopenrespres.bmj.com/content/8/1/e0…

Firstly, you should use the same judgement as you did before the pandemic. Who would you normally contact if you are concerned about specific symptoms?
You may think you are saving healthcare resources, but waiting until you are worse neither helps you or the health service.

Secondly, if you test positive for COVID-19 and are either over 65 yrs old or have a condition that makes you clinically vulnerable you should contact your primary care provider (GP practice) to let them know you have Covid and request 'remote home monitoring'.

You will receive a home oxygen monitor and instructions on how to record your progress. Most countries have some form of 'remote monitoring' or 'follow-up' for high-risk patients, but they often rely on the patient coming forward for it.

Example:

england.nhs.uk/nhs-at-home/co…

For those not 'eligible' you can consider getting your own oxygen monitor (pulse oximeter), an accredited one - ask your pharmacist. My view: a must have if over 50 yrs of age and a good idea if over 35 yrs.
If oxygen levels fall below 95% you require urgent medical attention.

If you are worried or develop:
1. Any breathing issues
2. Confusion
3. A fever that lasts hours and doesn't respond to cooling methods (e.g. paracetamol)
Then you should contact your healthcare provider URGENTLY.

And, I will say it again:
Ask yourself, if it wasn't a pandemic would you be acting differently, would you be contacting healthcare? If yes, then do it! Healthcare is busy, but it will be busier if you wait until more unwell to contact us. We prefer intervening earlier.