Current uncertain circumstances, it helps to get some understanding and a place to turn to clear those worries and doubts.
In the current desperate situation we see a struggle for Oxygen and medical Aid in almost all cities. This situation can be made better if we come together as community and help each other by sharing Oxygen and other aids.
Yes it is Okay to share even in current situation and you can help save a life by sharing oxygen.
Every life matters.
We would like you to stay safe and healthy while you help others by sharing your items
We have put together for you some tips for Covid care, Facts about Vaccines, how to protect yourself with masks and how to sanitize your home/stuff that you bring home.
Credit : Srihari Seshadri, MBBS, PhD, MPH
COVID-19 Vaccines
Basics
Incubation Period
Usually 4-5 days (range from 2-14 days)
Infectious Period: 2 days before onset of symptoms
To about 10-14 days after onset of symptoms
See symptoms
Mode of Transmission
Breathing in droplets or particles
Direct splashes and sprays
Touching eyes, nose or mouth
Prevention
Wear Mask
Social Distancing
Hand-washing
Vaccination
Sanitizing items
Washing/cleaning vegetables with vinegar/Salt + Baking soda
Masks
Cloth mask : 2 or more layers of washable breathable fabric
Surgical Mask : Single use – to be used not more than 6-8 hours
Double Mask : 2 layer cloth mask worn over Surgical mask
How use mask?
When wearing use clean fresh mask as often as possible
Completely cover your nose and mouth
Should fit snugly against the sides of your face and don’t have gaps
Have a nose wire to prevent air from leaking out of the top of the mask
If mask is wet – it is not going to function, remove it and use fresh one
Remove holding the ear loops/ties
Don’t touch the front of mask
Place it separately in a bag till it can be washed.
Wash and care
Wash with detergent and iron it for reuse
Social Distancing
Stay 6 feet apart
Avoid crowds
Avoid poorly ventilated indoor places
Travel in car/cab
Both driver and passenger should wear mask
Turn off A/C
Open windows
Don’t sit directly behind the driver
Hand washing
Wash with soap and water
Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water aren’t available
Vaccine
Very important to receive your COVID-19 vaccine
Vaccine does not cause COVID-19 disease
Symptoms
Common Symptoms Serious - Rare
Fever Difficulty Breathing
Fry Cough Chest pain or pressure
Fatigue Difficulty staying awake
Sore Throat Confusion
Congestion or runny nose
Headache
Muscle and Body Aches
New loss of taste or smell
Nausea & or Vomiting
Diarrhea
Please Don't Panic
80 to 85% are asymptomatic or have mild disease
10 to 15% have moderate disease
5% have severe disease
Management
Mild: Home isolation and care
Moderate: Hospital Ward
Severe: Hospital ICU
Mild Condition
Upper respiratory tract symptoms (&/or fever) WITHOUT shortness of breath
Home Care
Physical distancing,
indoor mask use,
strict hand hygiene
Monitor
Temperature – Home Thermometer
Oxygen saturation- Pulse Oximeter >94%
Symptomatic Management
Please Consult physician/doctor . These are suggestions not prescriptions
Hydration :
Oral Rehydration Solution (e.g. Electral powder)
If commercial product is not available: 6 teaspoons of sugar, ½ teaspoon of salt in one liter of water.
Fever
Take Paracetamol or Crocin or Dolo – one tablet every 8 hours
Cough and Cold
Antitussives/antihistamines: E.g. Diphenhydramine, Ceterizine, Loratidine
Multivitamins
Steaming & Salt Water gargling - See How to take steam inhalation
Seek Immediate attention & help if
Difficulty in breathing
High grade fever/severe cough, particularly if lasting for >5 days
Moderate Condition
ADMIT IN WARD
Patient has any one of these symptoms
Respiratory rate > 24/min, breathlessness
SpO2: 90% to < 93% on room air
Severe Condition
ADMIT IN ICU
Patient has any one of these symptoms
Respiratory rate > 30/min, breathlessness
SpO2: < 90% on room air
Test for COVID-19
RT-PCR - (Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction)
RAT - Rapid Antigen Test
HR-CT Scan - is usually recommended by doctors for patients with severe symptoms
How to sanitize items
What you need ,
Clean cotton cloth,
70% isopropyl alcohol sanitizer
Pour the sanitizer over the cotton cloth just enough to get it wet
Squeeze out excess and make sure the cloth stays wet.
Wipe all the surfaces of the device/instrument cover as many crevices as possible.
Start wiping down clean area and move to dirty area..
Do not allow the sanitizer to drip or go into the sockets, outlets of the device.
let it sit for 2-3 minutes and dry out on its own.
If possible put the items in a plastic bag and leave it aside for 72 hrs. or longer.
Wash your hand thoroughly with soap
wash the cloth with detergent if using washing machine, It can be washed along with your clothes. Set it to warmest setting possible for the wash load.
Here is a video to help - How to clean and disinfect
How to take steam inhalation
Steam Inhalation gives relief for nasal congestion and cough
Take 3 to 4 times a day with 5 minutes for each session
Boil Water and pour the hot water slowly and carefully into a vessel preferably with flat bottom (to avoid any fall/spillage)
Put the vessel containing hot water on a stable surface
Put a towel over the back of your head
Move your head towards the hot water vessel until you are about 6 inches away.
To prevent burns, avoid direct contact with the water or hot vessel
Open your mouth widely to inhale steam through your mouth and exhale through your nose slowly for 5 minutes
COVID-19 Vaccines
If there is delay in getting your 2nd dose
No need to restart the vaccination series
If infected between 2 doses:
2nd dose to be taken 8 weeks after the first positive RT-PCR result
Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines
Vaccine:
Prevents severe disease and death
Does not cause COVID-19 disease
Does not cause infertility
Does not change your DNA
Can be given during menses
Vaccine can be given to elderly, folks with underlying health issues or asthma or allergies, on blood thinners
Not considered protected until 3 weeks after the vaccine series
Contraindication/precautions
Contraindications:
History of Anaphylaxis to the contents of vaccine
Don’t take any vaccine when you are currently sick
Precautions:
Blood thinners- you may bleed (request smaller needle)
Pregnant/lactating women talk with your OBGYN
Do’s and Don’ts after vaccination
Do’s
Keep yourself hydrated well
Can use Paracetamol/Acetaminophen for
mild symptoms
Continue:
Masking
Maintaining Social Distance
Handwashing
Vaccination series
Dont's
Panic
Let your guards down
Schematic structure of SARS-CoV-2 with its key structural proteins as target antigens for various vaccines production platform
Resources/References and further reading
Video : How to sanitize
Covid-19 Handbook for Bangalore with Complete Resources
Clinical Guidance For Management Of Adult Covid-19 Patients
COVID-19 vaccine: A recent update in pipeline vaccines, their design and development strategies