COVID-19 Supportive Home Care & Symptom Monitoring
This information is intended only for patients with an established and current relationship with Dr. Preimesberger. These (and all) patients should always use their best judgement to seek medical attention directly with a physician for worrisome ongoing symptoms; this page is not intended to replace direct consultation or care.
MILD-MODERATE SYMPTOM CARE
1. Hot steamy showers.
2. Nasal decongestion. Afrin nasal spray: 2-3 sprays/nostril, twice daily for up to 4 days for nasal congestion. OTC fluticasone (Flonase) spray about 5min after the Afrin: 1-2 sprays each nostril daily; May fluticasone as long as needed.
3. Nasal saline: Spray, drops, Neti-pot or SinuCleanse twice daily until symptoms
improve to keep mucus thin and easy to clear. If using Neti-pot or SinuCleanse, use lukewarm water, and 1/2 salt packet at first to avoid burning sensation in nose.
4. Sudafed by mouth, as directed on box for nasal congestion. If you are treated for high blood pressure, or have a palpitation history you may need to avoid over the counter oral decongestants which can worsen these. Avoid in kids.
5. Tylenol 1000mg 4x/day or Ibuprofen 400-600mg 4x/day for sore throat, facial pain, fever or body aches for adults. Dosing per weight/age for kids.
6. Cepacol lozenges or throat spray and salt water gargles for sore throat.
7. Mucinex DM (guaifenesin/dextromethorphan) as needed for cough; Honey may also help: 1 spoonful every 4 hours as needed. No honey in children <1yo. Avoid cough/cold medications in all kids <2yo.
8. For moderate cough, and shortness of breath: Spend 20-30min lying on your belly 3-4x throughout the day, and try to sleep on your stomach if comfort allows.
10. Fluids: Push non-caffeinated fluids to stay very well hydrated!!
11. Ditch the sugar. Sugar paves the way for inflammation. Boost veggies and lower carb home cooked meals.
SYMPTOM MONITORING
The inflammatory effects of COVID can kick in around day 7-10 of symptoms . . . a common timeframe to feel a bit worse (chest tightness and intermittent lower oxygen levels, etc). I recommend a home pulse oximeter to keep tabs on things (check local pharmacy, Amazon, etc).
So long as you can do most daily activities of living (getting to the bathroom, up/down stairs, able to do light housework like meal prep, etc) with oxygen levels at/above 94%, and without severe shortness of breath, it’s ok to keep monitoring at home.
Check the oxygen level about 3-4 times throughout the day.
– If at/above 94% and not having too much shortness of breath (able to speak a few full sentences back to back, or count as fast as you can to 20 in a single breath), this is reassuring.
– If consistently 92-93% without any higher values noted, and having a harder time with carrying a conversation/shortness of breath over the next day or so – check in with your doctor within 4 hours, or go to Urgent Care/ER.
– if oxygen is <92% and having a hard time completing a sentence, fatigue is extreme (difficult to walk around for more than 2-3 minutes), or new focal persistent chest pain: go to the ER!
Fever remaining >101 despite OTC meds, or is >100.4 and NEW a week or more into symptoms: call your PCP or go to Urgent Care.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
– You have severe trouble breathing. (You can’t talk at all.)
– You have constant chest pain or pressure.
– You are severely dizzy or lightheaded.
– You are confused or can’t think clearly.
– Your face and lips have a blue color.
– You passed out (lost consciousness) or are very hard to wake up.