Once a person contracts avoid infection, he/she may exhibit common symptoms like fever, cough, body ache, etc. But the health issues may not end with testing negative for Covid. Many people even after recovering from Covid, experience issues like post-Covid fatigue.  Though a large number of people are able to sail through it without too many complications after testing positive, the post covid complications may impact the normal life. With Covid infection still around us, it is important to know how to deal with post-Covid fatigue.

In many Covid cases, after testing negative, patients continue to feel weak, get tired very soon after simple routine tasks, feel sleepy even after getting ample sleep, find it difficult in focusing/concentrating, etc. Some also experience pains and aches, shivering of limbs, and many other associated physical issues. It will sometimes take a long while to recover depending on whether your infection has been a mild or severe one.

It is important to allow time for your body to recuperate. Immediately after you test negative, do not push yourself to get back to the things that you used to do. This could be your exercise routine, physically demanding jobs, mentally exerting activities, etc. Covid-19 infection can have continuing effects for a couple of months, sometimes up to six to eight months after you have tested negative. The key is to allow the body to heal, facilitate it with what is required for the same, and slowly get back to the normal lifestyle. This road to recovery may be extensive and exhausting, but if you take good care, you can manage it. Here are some points to remember and follow to ensure proper recovery:

Continue to follow the safety protocols- Post covid recovery, the patient is vulnerable to infections as his immunity levels will still be below. Stay away from any gathering. Do not go out unless it is an emergency and in such a case make sure you have a mask, maintain social distance and sanitize yourself whenever needed.

Go easy on exercise – Gradually build your strength. Start with slow walks for a short duration. listen to your body and take rest when you feel it is required, it is not important to go by the pre-set time. Breathing exercises and meditation can be good to start with. Avoid heavy workouts as your body is weak and still recovering.

Ensure natural vitamin D–The coronavirus infection will decrease Vitamin D levels in the body. The best is to get it naturally, to ensure the same try and get at least 30 minutes of exposure to sunlight preferably in the morning.

Nutritious diet– A nourishing diet is essential while one is recouping. Make sure to have a balanced and easily digestible meal. Avoid excess sugar, oil, and processed food. Be cautious with your diet if you already have any of the lifestyle diseases. Take that into consideration and plan your diet accordingly.

Stay hydrated– Dehydration is also a reason for tiredness. Increasing your liquid intake will help fight fatigue. One should properly hydrate themselves and see that electrolytes are maintained to get better with the weakness and fatigue.

Maintain a sleep cycle– Sleep early to wake up early. Waking up early gives a positive and energetic vibe and a great start to your day. It can make you feel productive; it also contributes to mental health. Develop a good sleep pattern and ensure it daily. Stay away from using gadgets after a certain time in the night.

Stay happy and have fun- getting a negative test result itself is a big enough reason to be happy about. Indulge in fun activities that can relax your mind and body. Read your favorite book, listen to music or watch your favorite series to keep yourself cheerful. One can also do art or craft activities that will keep them active. Remember to take breaks in between and get enough rest. Do not exert, be realistic and kind to yourself. Speak to a counselor or a mental health expert if you feel depressed, anxious, or have other concerns in mind.

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The second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic has paved the way for some severe lung infections as well as new terms to explain the conditions. ‘Happy Hypoxia’ is one of them. It is the term used in a condition where oxygen levels in the blood decrease drastically but the patient remains happy and comfortable without any distress for the initial hours. As this happens, a person may not experience dyspnea or breathlessness at the onset. By the time their body presents symptoms, internal damage would have occurred. In a healthy person, the normal oxygen level is above 95%. A further decrease in blood oxygen levels can be life-threatening if there is no medical intervention immediately. Some Covid-19 patients show blood oxygen levels lower than 60%. Normally, when oxygen level goes low patient will go into distress. Heartbeat and respiratory rate will become high. They will become agitated and restless. This does not happen in some covid positive patients as soon as there is a dip in the oxygen level. For some time, in the beginning, they will go about living their normal lives, as there are no signs of their lungs being in poor condition also no manifestation of symptoms in the body. Hence, patients suffering from Happy Hypoxia will not be able to self-diagnose the condition in the early stages. In such situations, if there is no immediate medical attention, there is a high chance of the failure of organs such as the kidneys, heart, and brain.

Comorbidities that can increase the condition

There could be multiple reasons for the decrease in oxygen levels. In some cases, secondary kidney diseases or lung aspiration can also lead to this condition. In certain Covid-19 cases, it can cause an inflammatory reaction in the body which then leads to clotting, in the blood vessels of the heart or lungs. This blocks the oxygen from reaching the tissues and cells of the lungs. Identifying the condition At hospitals, doctors use blood gas analysis to determine the oxygen levels in the blood. At home during quarantine, Happy Hypoxia is not easily identifiable as it does not show any noticeable or alarming signs. It is crucial to self-check the oxygen levels using the Oximeter, at regular intervals of time.

One must also keep an eye on the points below:

•  The Colour of the lips/palms may change to blue.
• Sweating profusely after being involved in very little physical activity.
•  Shortness of breath
•  Slow heart rate
• Wheezing

It is crucial to consult a doctor immediately if one notices that their blood oxygen level falls below 95% while checking with an oximeter. The doctor would initiate a physical examination of the lungs and heart, to diagnose the condition, and especially check to see if the skin has turned blue due to insufficient supply of oxygen.

The doctor would also want to check oxygen levels by using a pulse oximeter or an arterial blood gas test, which is done by taking a blood sample from the artery. The doctor might also check oxygen levels by fitting in breathing tubes connected to a machine.

Treatment

The fundamental principle in treating the Happy Hypoxia condition is to raise the blood oxygen levels. In covid patients gradually the virus replicates and goes down from the throat to lungs, and causes pneumonia. If the infection involves the airway in the lungs, doctors often give medications through inhalers and the condition improves. This is done to treat the underlying conditions that cause Happy Hypoxia. In more severe cases, the doctor may prescribe oxygen therapy, which is giving people extra oxygen, usually through a tube called ‘Cannula’. If a life is in danger or if the person is not responding to other treatments, the next best option would be to provide them machine support to breathe. The amount of time a person requires oxygen therapy varies from case to case. Depending on the seriousness of the situation, the patient may receive oxygen at home, with a portable machine while they travel, or in the hospital.

Complications or side effects

If the oxygen levels in the blood are declining, the body would fail to deliver an adequate supply of oxygen to all tissues and organs. This can lead to the shutting down of organs such as the heart,  brain, kidneys and can result in death if medical help is not sought immediately.

Be vigilant and prepared

The best way to prevent the condition of Happy Hypoxia would be to keep monitoring the oxygen levels using a pulse oximeter at regular intervals. Make sure to do this even if the patient is fine and not experiencing any discomfort. Eating healthy and staying physically active is also important to prevent this condition. It is essential to identify one’s asthma triggers, prepare themselves and find ways to prevent them. For people using inhalers, consult your doctor and take additional medication to prevent any flares.

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India’s battle with Covid 19 is ongoing. The daily caseload had exceeded the four lakh mark and many are fighting the infection at home. The second wave has hit us hard with people suffering from mild, moderate, and severe symptoms. The panic about the increasing cases is making people rush to the hospitals even if they have mild or moderate symptoms leading to the unavailability of beds for the more critical patients. People need to understand that most Covid positive cases are mild or asymptomatic and do not require hospitalization.

These mild cases can be treated at home following the necessary protocols and precautions.
Standard guidelines include:

• The covid positive patient needs to be kept under observation and isolation for 14 days
  after he/she contracts the infection.
• While some patients may not show any symptoms at all, a few might show slightly
  fever, body ache, or breathing problems.
• The mild symptoms may take 3-5 days to progress to moderate. If the patient is
  vigilant about the symptoms, she/he can track the changes more carefully.

With mild symptoms, one can opt for a home quarantine package from the hospitals availing regular teleconsultations with the doctors. This will help in understanding any changes in the symptoms or necessity to get admitted to the hospital.

How to identify if you have mild COVID-19 symptoms?

When a patient has mild COVID-19 symptoms, these symptoms may show in the upper respiratory tract, with or without fever and without shortness of breath. Another major factor is that they should not have hypoxia (shortage of adequate supply of oxygen at the tissue level). Individuals can check this by using an oximeter and noting down the SpO2 levels. If the SpO2 levels are between 94-98 percent, then there is no need to worry. But if the levels fall below 94 percent, they need to reach out for medical assistance.

What should you do if you know you have mild COVID-19?

Isolate yourself at home. It is advised that you isolate in the room which has an attached toilet, like others at the home, is not supposed to use the one which the infected person uses. Wear a mask at all times and change it after using it for 6-8 hours. Keep in regular contact with your physician through teleconsultation and update him about your symptoms. He will generally prescribe hydration, antipyretic, antitussive, and multivitamin medicines to manage your mild symptoms. Keep a note of your body temperature and oxygen saturation levels. Along with the medications it is advised to inhale steam twice a day. Always consume warm water and hot food. Avoid food that can aggravate cold and cough. Keep your body warm. Check with your doctor before you can do any exercises and follow breathing practices. Personal breathing To improve ventilation and keep your alveolar units open, pruning is recommended. It makes your breathing easier and is required by patients when the oxygen saturation level falls below 94 percent. For pruning one pillow has to be placed below the neck, one or two pillows below the chest region through the upper thigh and two pillows should be placed below the shins. Check out some videos to know the exact positioning of pruning. This method is effective in providing immediate relief and increasing the oxygen levels in the body.

When to seek medical attention?

• When the cough lasts for more than five days.
• When there is a high-grade fever.
• Difficulty in breathing.
• When the oxygen saturation level falls below 94 percent.
• Keep calm and never panic while you follow all these measures. In a matter of two weeks,
  you can return to your normal life.

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Ever since the pandemic has struck the world, we are flooded with many misconceptions and myths. Experts have been continuously debunking such myths that are creating panic among the masses. One such widely circulated rumour is that asthma patients are at a very higher risk of contracting the infection as compared to normal people which is not true. Asthma is a condition where a person's airways are inflamed, becomes narrow and then swell. They produce extra mucus that makes breathing difficult. Asthma can be minor or often creates difficulty in leading a normal life. In some cases, it can also be life-threatening too. How to differentiate between Covid and an asthma flare-up?

First, let us know the symptoms of Covid 19

• Fever
• Diarrhoea
• Loss of smell
• Loss of taste
• Muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Skin rash

While fever is a common symptom seen in Corona patients, it is not so common in asthma
flare-up.

What are the similar symptoms between Covid 19 and asthma?

• Shortness of breath
• dry cough

Rapid breathing and chest tightness/congestion are common in asthma whereas these are not often witnessed in Covid patients. When asthma patients use albuterol or rescue inhaler for asthma the symptoms of asthma should almost completely subside, in case these are a result of an asthma flare. In case you are experiencing bad exasperation of asthma the symptoms will not be completely relieved but the rescue inhaler will certainly provide some amount of moderate relief. But if a person is infected with the coronavirus, he/she may not get any relief from the inhalers.

Will asthma increase the risk of contracting corona?

There is no evidence to prove that people with asthma are at greater risk of contracting the novel coronavirus. We don't have enough evidence to state that the severity of corona is more in asthma patients. Getting coronavirus comes down to an individual’s exposure to suspected or confirmed cases of coronavirus or the symptomatic carrier. But it should be noted that asthma and Covid-19 affect the lungs. So, when a person has uncontrolled asthma they may experience more severe Covid-19 symptoms. That's why it is advised to manage asthma well in this pandemic condition. When to worry? With the change in weather, an asthma patient may suddenly experience asthma flare-ups and get symptoms like breathlessness or tightness in the chest. In typical cases, asthma flare-up does not lead to fever unless there is a respiratory infection. Therefore, it is important for the patients to watch out for other symptoms which were not observed during the last asthma attacks.

Listed below are the few symptoms which one have to be careful about. Consult your doctor
immediately if the asthma patients experience these signs

• High fever
• Chest pain or pressure in the chest
• Difficulty in breathing
• Asthma medications not helping the symptoms
• Persistent cough

Tips for asthma patients to keep themselves safe during Covid times:

•  Keep your asthma well controlled with proper medication and use inhalers properly.
  Beware of allergies that can trigger your asthma
• Do not stop your current asthma medicines or change your medication without
  consulting the doctor
• Have enough supply of asthma medications
• Avoid asthma triggers, like pets, pollen or dust. Do not get exposed to the rain.
  If you are allergic to pets, the animal dander may increase your flareup as you are
  spending more time indoors. Avoid being around pets.
•  During this time, it is natural to feel stressed and anxious which may also trigger your
  asthma. Speak to your family and friends frequently
•  Do not share your nebulizer with others.
•  If you develop chest symptoms and if it does not subside with your regular
  medications, consult the doctor immediately.

Many rumours have led to vaccine hesitancy. Vaccines have the potential to prevent infection and reduce the risk of severe illness and even death. So if you are eligible for vaccination get the shot. Try to stay at home and avoid venturing out. Follow covid appropriate behaviour and do not let your guard down.

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