Caring for a Covid patient? Don’t forget to follow these precautions
Getting infected with Covid-19 can be tough for patients as the disease could lead to a lot of physical and mental discomfort. Confining oneself to a room can also take a toll. Once a person goes into isolation after testing positive, it is natural to face a lot of anxiety and mental health issues. As people are generally used to constant external stimuli, chit-chatting with family members, finding oneself locked in a room for a week or so is certainly not a good feeling.
Caring for a person with Covid-19 can be equally challenging. One needs to keep calm, have a clear thinking and very cautious about not getting the virus from the patient.
If you too are a caregiver to a person suffering from Covid-19, you should find time to follow certain preventive measures. Drinking lukewarm water, adequate rest, eating freshly prepared food are some of the measures caregivers should follow.
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Remember to wear mask, follow social distancing measures, and wash hands with soap after touching any potentially infected surface.
While washing utensils used by a Covid patient, use gloves and hot water. Clean your hands after taking off gloves or handling used items for maximum safety.
Ministry of Ayush has come up with a host of tips for caregivers to stay safe:
* Drink lukewarm water frequently
* Gargle with warm water added with a pinch of turmeric and salt
* Food should be freshly prepared, and easily digestible
* Take adequate sleep (7-8 hours) and avoid daytime sleep
* Steam inhalation with ajwain (trachyspermum ammi), Pudhina (Mentha spicata) or Eucalyptus oil (1-5 drops) or Karpur (camphor) once a day
* Daily practice of yogasana, paranayma and meditation for at least 30 minutes
Tips to boost immunity
– The AYUSH guidelines also suggest including spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander and garlic in the daily diet to boost immunity.
– Drink herbal tea / decoction (Kadha) made from Tulsi (Basil), Dalchini (Cinnamon), Kalimirch (Black pepper), Shunthi (Dry Ginger) and Munakka (Raisin) – once or twice a day. Add jaggery (natural sugar) and fresh lemon juice to your taste, if needed.
– Drinking a glass of hot milk with half tsp of turmeric powder once or twice a day is also very helpful in keeping infections at bay.
Caregivers and anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has Covid-19 should try to stay at home.
