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This is my thread on how to care for COVID at home IF you test positive but are too stable to be admitted to the hospital, if you’re having symptoms but test negative, or if you’ve had exposure with someone contagious.
Firstly, if you meet the above criteria my first recommendation is to buy a pulse Oximeter. C-19 is not just a respiratory virus. It can impede blood flow which limits your body’s oxygen carrying capacity. This explains how you can have no respiratory symptoms but have low oxygen
This is my favorite brand of pulse Oximeters for the home, because it has a wave form that helps detect the accuracy of your reading. If the wave is flat, you may need to switch fingers. https://www.amazon.com/Santamedical-Oximeter-Fingertip-Saturation-Batteries/dp/B08HH86RT2/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?adgrpid=61540976288&dchild=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAqdP9BRDVARIsAGSZ8Akawic7I8s5TGBHTPXa3dbJk1aj_E0vjT38gBi8XEbGTK5Hv0-EseYaAj31EALw_wcB&hvadid=274746233230&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9010780&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=11043212358095335785&hvtargid=kwd-39612570&hydadcr=10098_9882353&keywords=pulse+oximeter&qid=1605703338&sr=8-6&tag=hydsma-20
When to use the oximeter is important. If you are winded with exertion, like climbing stairs, check your pulse ox at the top of them (this brand includes a necklace for wear).
Symptoms worsen at night, so keep your oximeter close to the bed. Insomnia is a symptom that doesn’t get talked about much. The restlessness maybe caused by low oxygen. If you are consistently getting low oxygen readings, that is a good time to report to the ER with this info.
Next, I recommend purchasing an incentive spirometer. Our body has away of adapting to low oxygen and high CO2 which can alter our respiratory pattern. This is why I recommend an incentive spirometer to train and strengthen your lungs.
I own this one. https://www.amazon.com/8884719009-VOLDYNE-5000-VOLUMETRIC-MADE/dp/B010MAF7GE/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=incentive+spirometer&qid=1605703805&sprefix=incent&sr=8-3
I own this one. https://www.amazon.com/8884719009-VOLDYNE-5000-VOLUMETRIC-MADE/dp/B010MAF7GE/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=incentive+spirometer&qid=1605703805&sprefix=incent&sr=8-3
Sleep is important. There is some alteration in mild COVID patients breathing patterns and poor airflow can lead to certain areas of the lungs not being used. It’s important to turn every four hours and avoid laying flat on your back. Belly time is recommended if tolerated.
I slept with my head elevated and still do. Initially I slept in my recliner, then I bought an elevated pillow. I recommend the following or a chair if belly time isn’t an option. You want the best position that aids with lung expansion for your body. https://www.amazon.com/Milliard-Respiratory-Problems-Breathable-Washable/dp/B082T45GGM/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=elevated+pillow&qid=1605702678&sprefix=elevated+pillow&sr=8-11
The other must is compression socks or stockings. Blood clotting is a huge risk for this disease process. Compression stockings also aid the heart by returning blood back to the heart and reducing stress on it. Any brand is okay. I recommend wearing at night.
I recommend hot teas or any warm drink three times daily with low caffeine. My go to teas for the morning are green tea, and lavender or chamomile at night to aid with the stress response. For the afternoon I recommend a tumeric and ginger blend. They minimize inflammation.
Keep everything you put in your body room temp or warm during the acute phase. Cold can induce a stress response and COVID symptoms are worsened with anything that stresses the body and contributes to inflammation. I recommend avoiding inflammatory foods. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation
Home meds. ****ALWAYS check with your physician before starting a new regimen: Aspirin 81mg daily, tumeric and black seed 2 capsules daily, vitamin d 10,000U daily, zinc 50mg daily, and a multivitamin. This regimen thins the blood, reduces inflammation, and boost immunity.
Lastly, find ways to minimize stress and relax. Warm showers with eucalyptus, meditation, deep breathing. Avoid triggers and stress. Continue to hydrate. More than usual. Sunshine. Walks. Believe in your recovery. Speak life into your healing. The mind body connection is powerful
