With the recent surge of COVID-19 in country, many people are confused about the symptoms and preventive measures of the ‘pandemic’. While the treatment of coronavirus is still underway, the only method to stay protected is prevention. But what if the virus still manages to contract you?
- Call COVID-19 Control Room
If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. COVID-19 response centers helpline are available 24 hours. They will guide you about the next steps. You will be connected to a doctor who will take your medical and travel history. You will be told whether you need to be tested or not.
If you need to be tested health authorities will send an ambulance your way to take you to a hospital isolation ward. Your contacts will be traced and also tested.
- Stay home
It is proven that people with mild symptoms of Coronavirus, can effectively recover at home. Hence, it is advised not to leave your house except to get medical care. Call the emergency helpline to get in touch with health expert. But avoid going in public areas.
- Separate yourself, practice ‘home isolation’
Try as much as possible to stay in a specific “sick room” and away from other people in your home. Use a separate bathroom, if available.
- Always wear a facemask
If you are suffering symptoms of COVID-19, always wear a facemask. Incase the person is unable to breathe with mask on, then house mates should stay in a different room. Caregiver, not visitors can enter the sick person’s room, only with protective equipment.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
Remember to cover your mouth and nose with tissue and dispose the used tissue immediately. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Clean ‘sick room’ and bathroom regularly
Make sure to clean high-touch surfaces. If a caregiver or other person needs to clean and disinfect a sick person’s bedroom or bathroom, they should do so on an as-needed basis. The caregiver/other person should wear a mask and wait as long as possible after the sick person has used the bathroom.
- Monitor your symptoms
Try to keep track of your symptoms. In case the illness gets worse (for example, if you have difficulty breathing), immediately call for your doctor at helplines. Follow care instructions from your healthcare provider and local health department: Your local health authorities will give instructions on checking your symptoms and reporting information.
- Who to call for help?
There are government helplines you can call for help.
- Sindh helplines: 021-99203443, 021-99204405.
- Federal helpline: 1166
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa helpline: 1700
- Balochistan: Two options given below
Call: 081-9241133-22
WhatsApp: 0334-9241133 - Punjab: 0800 99 000
by Dr Muattar Hanif
