A Look at the Current Case Management Protocol for COVID-19

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A Look at the Current Case Management Protocol
for COVID-19
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The novel coronavirus was declared a global
pandemic in March 2020. Till date it has affected
more than 200 countries with over 9.36 million
cases in total. Researchers and medical
professionals are working around the clock
towards developing an effective vaccine. As the
world waits for deliverance from this health
crises, let us look at the current case
management protocol for COVID-19.
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An Overview of COVID-19 Symptoms The symptoms of
the infectious novel coronavirus are high fever,
cough, loss of taste and smell, and difficulty in
breathing. If a patient reports any of these
symptoms, they need to immediately follow their
countrys protocol for testing and self-isolation
/ treatment.
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Case Management of COVID-19 - Mild Infection At
present, patients displaying mild symptoms of
COVID-19 infection are asked to quarantine
themselves at home. In some cases, they may be
quarantined at facilities provided by local or
national authorities. Isolating infected patients
will help break the chain of transmission.
Patients at a heightened risk of complications
due to comorbidities are kept under close
examination. If any symptoms seem to worsen, the
patient is immediately hospitalized for
treatment. High risk groups include patients
above the age of 60 years and those with health
conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
This is a general overview of case management
for mild COVID-19 infections. Do contact your
doctor for instructions specific to your health
needs.
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Case Management of COVID-19 - Moderate
Infection Patients with moderate infection
(pneumonia) are admitted to a health care center
or hospital for isolation and treatment. These
patients undergo a thorough medical check-up for
comorbidities as well as examination of complete
blood count and vital signs. The treatment given
generally includes Hydroxychloroquine, oxygen
support, and control of comorbid health
condition. Patients are also constantly monitored
for any increase in breathing difficulties and
secondary bacterial infections. This is a
general overview of case management for moderate
COVID-19 infections. Do contact your doctor for
instructions specific to your health needs.
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Case Management of COVID-19 - Severe
Infection Severe cases are those that exhibit
extreme respiratory problems or hypoxaemia.
Treatment protocol includes immediate
hospitalization with oxygen therapy. Patients who
are out of shock, require fluid management. If
regular oxygen therapy does not work, the patient
is given high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy.
If no improvement is noticed, tracheal intubation
is done. For severe infections in pregnant
patients, an obstetrics specialist must be
consulted. This is a general overview of case
management for severe COVID-19 infections. Do
contact your doctor for instructions specific to
your health needs.
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Looking Forward As the world still struggles to
free itself from the shackles of the virus,
information is our strongest line of defence.
Knowing the symptoms and precautionary measures
can help contain the spread of the virus. Medical
Learning Hub is an online platform that offers
courses and webinars with the latest information
on the novel coronavirus. Whether you are seeking
to continue your medical education or simply stay
informed on the latest developments in research,
Medical Learning Hub has a wide range of
resources to help you get started. Log on today
to begin learning. Stay safe.
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References https//www.thelancet.com/journals/lan
cet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)31278-2/fulltext htt
ps//www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/ClinicalManagementProtoc
olforCOVID19.pdf
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