FAQS ON COVID-19 INFECTION

COVID-19 HELP LINE GROUP

Warriors serve to humanity AUTHOR- MANISHA SHARMA
Objective: FAQs on Covid-19 Infection

This document aims to help with information on frequently asked questions related to
Covid-19. While information about Covid-19 is available at several sources, the attempt
here is to put it together for easy reference and from the perspective of practical
guidance based on evidence on different aspects of the Covid-19 infection. Please note
that this evidence is evolving. Please also note that this is not a medical advice and
should not be used to substitute that. It is important that the person experiencing
symptoms of Covid-19 remains in touch with a medical doctor and follows the advice.
We hope that this helps. We wish that you and your family members stay safe and
healthy in this time of health crisis.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 INFECTION IN

ADULTS? Common symptoms include:

● Fever, tiredness/fatigue, headache, body ache, throat pain, running nose, cough,
vomiting, loose stools (diarrhea), redness of the eyes
● Most patients have mild illness, and can be managed at home

WHAT ARE THE COMMON SYMPTOMS IN CHILDREN?

Children generally have a mild illness, and rarely need to be hospitalized. Common
symptoms include:
● Fever, sore throat, cough
● Small children may have loose stools, vomiting, abdominal pain
● Older children can complain of headache, body ache and tiredness
Note: Severe disease is uncommon in children

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE AT HIGH RISK?

Those who:

● Are elderly, i.e., above 60 years old

● Are overweight/obese
● Have diabetes, hypertension
 ● Have pre-existing diseases of lungs, liver, heart or kidney
● Are on cancer treatment or immunosuppressant medicines

WHAT TESTS SHOULD BE DONE?

● Diagnosis of Covid-19 infection can be confirmed by an RTPCR test

o Sample should be given as early as possible in the disease, preferably the day
of first symptom. Viral load is higher earlier, so the chances of accurate
results are higher. This will also reduce the spread of infection.
● If during the 2nd week of illness, the patient deteriorates, then other tests (such as
blood test/X-ray/CT scan etc.) are required to find out how severe the illness is. The
medical doctor with whom the patient is in touch with should be able to guide
if/which tests are required.
● CT scan is required when the patient deteriorates and will be done by the hospital.
CT scan if done early will be normal. A CT scan is expensive, and exposes the patient
to radiation.

Note: The person should isolate himself/herself and take all necessary precautions while
the RTPCR test results are awaited

WHAT IF RTPCR TEST RESULT IS NEGATIVE BUT SYMPTOMS ARE THERE?

● A negative RTPCR test result does not exclude Covid-19 infection. RTPCR test can
give a false negative report in about 30 per cent cases.
● If symptoms are there, one should isolate immediately and take all necessary
precautions, even if RTPCR test result is negative.

WHEN SHOULD 2ND TEST BE DONE IF 1ST TEST WAS NEGATIVE BUT SYMPTOMS
PERSIST?

● The 2nd test can be done immediately, if one wishes to

● If other members in the family also have symptoms and a +ve test result, then it
is likely that the person has Covid-19, even if the report is negative.

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE IF THE TEST RESULT SHOWS COVID +VE BUT THERE ARE NO
SYMPTOMS?
The person should be isolated as he/she can spread the infection to others but no
treatment is required.

WHEN SHOULD A PERSON BE ISOLATED?

● The moment a person experiences first symptom, he/she should be isolated

immediately
● Anyone who has come in contact with a Covid +ve person should stay separate
(quarantine himself/herself) and be watchful of symptoms for 7 to 10 days

WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHILE ISOLATING A COVID +VE PATIENT?

● One should stay in a separate room (This is most important. But if not available,
stay more than 6 feet away from others and in that case, all should wear a mask
and should not have food together)
● Use separate bathroom, if possible (else, clean well every time after the use by a
Covid +ve patient)
● The patient should wear mask all times (preferably double mask)
● Room should be ventilated i.e., windows that open outside of the house should be
opened
● No one should enter that room (wear a double mask, if urgently/temporarily
required to be in the room)
● Food should be served separately outside at the door of the room (anybody
taking care of a Covid +ve patient should wear a double mask)
● Patient should eat within the room and wash the utensils with soap and water
● Those with Covid +ve in a family can stay together (even in the same room)

Note: Double mask means - a surgical mask inside and then a cloth mask outside. N95
mask is more protective than a double mask.

Isolation does work well to reduce spread of infection within the family and outside.
It needs to be done with rigor and meticulously.

HOW TO LOOK AFTER CHILD IF ONE/BOTH PARENTS ARE COVID +VE BUT CHILD IS
NOT?
● A small child will be most comfortable with parents. If one parent is Covid -ve/does
not have symptoms, the child can stay with him/her. If both are Covid +ve/have
 symptoms, the child should stay with them. Sending the child elsewhere may lead to
spread of infection to others. The child should not be in the care of the elderly or
those at high risk.
● If the child can be taught to wear a mask, he/she should be encouraged to wear a
mask, if above 2 years.

Note: Children usually stay with mothers/parents for practical reasons. They should not be
sent to the home of grandparents.

HOW TO PREVENT ELDERLY/THOSE AT HIGH-RISK AT HOME FROM EXPOSURE?

● Keep them separate as much as possible and reduce physical interaction with them.
Avoid going close to them without masks.
● Anybody who frequently goes out to work/play and interacts with others outside,
should avoid contact with them (as well as others in the family).
● They should be immediately isolated/separated whenever a case occurs in a
household.
● They should be vaccinated.

HOW TO GO ABOUT DOMESTIC HELPS/DRIVERS?

● Firstly, they should be told clearly that if they are not well or have any symptoms,
they should inform you and not come to work.
● When they are coming, they should wash hands and wear a mask
● When they are working, try not be around at that time and if possible do not enter
into that space for 20-30 minutes
● With drivers in a same cab, open windows and all should wear mask

Note: Please also make them aware about symptoms, precautions, monitoring etc. so that
they know how to manage it.

WHICH MASK SHOULD BE USED?

● N95 mask is most protective mask and is used in hospitals

● Cloth mask can help in the community (for example the saliva in case of a cough
will not travel that far; if other person is also wearing a mask, the saliva will not
 reach out to his face). But cloth mask will not completely stop spread of a viral
infection. One should not rely on cloth mask if Covid +ve patients are at
home.
● Double masking can help in Covid management at home. Use a cloth mask over a
surgical mask.
● Mask should not be removed while talking
● Cloth mask should be washed daily (one should have more than one and rotate).
Surgical mask should not be reused.

WHAT MEDICINES COULD BE TAKEN?

● Paracetamol could be taken for fever and body ache. Brand names include
Crocin, Calpol, Dolo
o Adults can take 500 mg tablet 3-4 times a day. 650 mg tablet can be taken
by those who have more than 80 kg of weight
o Children can take paracetamol syrup. Dose as indicated on the bottle, or
the last advised dose.
● Medicines like ivermectin, doxycycline, azithromycin do not have a role in
viral infection and should not be taken
● Vitamins and Zinc also have no proven benefit
● Remdesivir is to be given to a hospitalized patient, if oxygen level falls. Do not
insist to your doctor to give for those who are mildly infected and are recovering at
home.
● Steroids, if given early are dangerous and will worsen the viral infection. They are
to be used in a sick person who has fever and a fall in oxygen saturation. They
would generally be given in sick hospitalised patients.
● Inhaled steroids can be prescribed by your doctor if you have Covid-19
and persistent fever.
● You may start oxygen and steroids, if patient is sick and a hospital bed is
being arranged.

Note: Giving oxygen at home may not be a good idea. Oxygen cylinder can finish in
sometime and it is a challenge to refill them. Also, if the patient deteriorates it may
go unnoticed. It is advisable to go to hospital, if oxygen saturation falls. Oxygen may
be stared at home until a bed can be arranged.
WHAT SHOULD BE MONITORED AND HOW?

● Body temperature with a thermometer; 3 times or when needed

● Oxygen saturation (most important); 3-4 times in a day

o To be measured with a pulse oximeter which should be purchased. Normally
it is above 95 per cent.
o It can be repeated while sitting, lying down prone (it may improve; this may
be helpful if oxygen value is borderline)
o If after 6 min of walk test (walking in the room or isolation area) the oxygen
saturation level falls by 5 per cent or more, it is a danger sign that lung
disease may happen. Please consult doctor/hospital in such case.
● Breathing rate (number of times) and breathing difficulty (discomfort in breathing)
● Oral intake, urine output should be as in healthy times.
● Alertness
● Blood pressure, pulse rate (in case of hypertensives)
● Blood sugar (in case of diabetics)

Note: Try to keep a written record. This will help your doctor to quickly assess if any
change in treatment is required.

Monitoring of the elderly and those at high risk needs to be done very carefully. They can
deteriorate rapidly and should be taken to hospital at the slightest sign of deterioration.

WHAT KIND OF FOOD SHOULD BE EATEN?

● One should eat nutritious food (adequate intake fruits and vegetables) at
normal/regular timings
● Take plenty of fluids

DOES STEAM AND GARGLES HELP?

Steam and gargles can help if there is nose block and throat pain

SHOULD ONE EXERCISE?

● One should take adequate rest and do routine exercises to the extent what is
possible with body ache
● It is good to walk within the room or isolation area
● Breathing exercises should be done
IS THERE ANY POSTURE THAT CAN HELP WHEN OXYGEN SATURATION IS LOW?

Saturation can improve by sitting, by lying down prone (on the stomach), or by
breathing deeply. Please contact your doctor or hospital if saturation is falling.

HOW TO STAY MENTALLY HEALTHY?

● Follow regular routine

● Stay in touch on social media with near and dear ones (friends/relatives)
● Do not listen to negative news
● Develop a hobby that you like

WHO CAN CONTINUE TO STAY AT HOME?

Anybody who has a mild disease, with oxygen saturation more than 95 per cent, normal
breathing, and is able to eat and drink well can stay at home

Note: The patient should remain in touch with his/her regular/family doctor while
staying at home and update about symptoms and results of regular monitoring

WHEN SHOULD ONE GO TO HOSPITAL?

● If the oxygen saturation level falls (most important criteria)

o Below 95 per cent (in case of high-risk people as mentioned above)
o Below 90 per cent (in the case of healthy adults), though a fall of 5 percentage
points is of concern.
● In case of difficulty in breathing or fast breathing (in adults, more than 30 times
per minute is considered fast)
● If unable to eat and drink
● If feeling very drowsy
● Fever persisting over a week or recurring

HOW DOES VACCINATION HELPS?

● Available vaccines can prevent serious disease. Whoever is eligible should get
themselves vaccinated.
● When going for vaccination, wear a well-fitting mask and do not remove
 ● Make sure that the 2nd dose of vaccination is of the same brand. Take vaccination
certification of the 1st dose along or inform about the vaccine which was given
earlier.

WHEN SHOULD THE RTPCR TEST BE REPEATED?

The patient would be non-infective after 10 days of the onset of symptoms and at the
same time should have no fever for the last 3 days. There is no need to repeat the
RTPCR test. One can after that mingle with other family members.

WHEN SHOULD ONE GO OUTSIDE?

● One should go outside the house only for essential/urgent work

● Should not go out for recreation and meeting people. Outdoors and away from
other people is still safer but could be avoided under current circumstances.
● It is important to follow Covid appropriate behavior i.e., wearing mask, keeping
distancing of more than six feet and washing hands