HOW TO RE-SHAPE LIFE AFTER COVID INFECTION?

COVID-19 has radically transformed many aspects of human life and global society both now and for many years to come. Around 10% of patients who have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus remain unwell beyond three weeks, and a smaller proportion for months One of the key aspect of COVID-19 is the concern of “how to re-shape life after a COVID infection? “

There are two major impacts on patients after a COVID infection:-

1-physical impact

2-psychological impact

PHYSICAL IMPACT

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Patients with COVID infection can be classified based on severity

CATEGORY-1
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Mild flue like illness which last only few days without any residual physical impact

CATEGORY-2
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Mild to moderate symptoms with marginally low oxygen saturation (Spo2 not less than 94%) who still can be treated as out patient basis.

CATEGORY-3
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Moderate to severe illness who need admission but not ICU care.

CATEGORY-4
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Severe infections that need ICU care with or without ventilator support.

How they influence post COVID period?

Warning signs in general-need to alert physician

A-breathlessness

B-high fever (>38 deg)

c-extreme fatigue

4-low oxygen (

CATEGORY-1
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After de-isolation continue to drink plenty of water (unless any prevailing condition doesn’t allow), breathing exercise, good nutrition and routine walk at home and around. Watch for ‘warning signals’. Avoid exercise for 1week. After 1week  start exercise, gradually  target pre COVID level over 2-3 weeks, stop if any warning signals and alert physician.

CATEGORY-2
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After de-isolation continue to drink plenty of water (unless any prevailing condition doesn’t allow), breathing exercise, good nutrition and routine walk at home and around. Watch for ‘warning signals’. Avoid exercise for 2weeks. After 2weeks start exercise, gradually target pre COVID level over 3-4 weeks, stop if any warning signals and alert physician.

CATEGORY-3
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After discharge from hospital  drink plenty of water (unless any prevailing condition doesn’t allow),do  breathing exercise, good nutrition and absolute rest for few days, always follow the instruction of treating physician regarding physical activities. Look for any warning signals and alert your physician immediately. Never try to do any physical activity on your own.

CATEGORY-4
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This group of patient needs a team support i.e. if possible a visiting home physician service or a health care worker, respiratory physiotherapist and dependant support. Need frequent monitoring for warning signals; strictly follow all instructions given by treating physician regarding nutrition and physical activities on long term basis.

Psychological support

Regardless of category all patients should be assessed for their psychological status during post- COVID period .multitude of issues can trigger psychological stress-psychological trauma from physical disability of  COVID infection, fear of impending complications in mild cases,  neglect by nears and poor acceptance in society after COVID infection, financial and employment burden etc.

General rules for a good out come after a COVID infection

1-physician advise-strictly follows the advice given by your treating physician-no one knows your health better than him.

2-nutrition and exercise-don’t risk yourself by implementing self formulated nutrition and exercise. Always follow the advice of your physician and health care workers entrusted for you by your doctor, modify your diet and exercise accordingly. Never over exert yourself as it may reduce your oxygen level and at times catastrophic.  Maintain a good healthy nutrition regardless of your taste and smell which will improve your immunity. Use different kind of fruits and vegetables instead same all the day as each of them have a different major nutrient. 

3- Warning signals-Alert your physician or healthcare worker responsible at the onset of any ‘warning signals’.

4-Breathing exercise -practice breathing exercise to improve your lung function.

5-Work on your memory: The virus is known to damage your memory cells. In order to regain the lost attention, cognitive thinking abilities, and memory, invest some of your days' time in playing puzzles, memory games and activities that you make you think harder. Formulate ways in which you can invigorate the mind. Start with those activities which are feasible, and continuously challenge you to build the sharpness. The key is to going slowly yet accomplishing something for your brain each day.

5-personal protection-as of now nobody knows about the status of  post-COVID antibody protection, hence continue personal protection measures like social distancing, hand wash and mask as few cases of re –infection after a COVID illness has been reported.

So it’s important to prepare our self to re-shape a better life after a COVID infection. 

About Dr. Basheer A

Dr Basheer Alikaparambil is a Senior Internist who is well known all over Oman and is currently heading the department of Internal Medicine and the Medical ICU at Badr Al Samaa Hospital, Ruwi. With over 27 years of clinical experience, he is an expert in managing the most complicated cases such as septicaemia, acute asthma, pneumonia and diabetic complications. He also conducts the asthma and diabetes clinics and his vast expertise has made the Internal Medicine Department one of the most popular referral centres in Oman.