Covid-19: What to do if someone you live with tests positive?

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India is currently grappling to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus with new cases touching 2.95 lakh on April 21. Under such horrific circumstances, what should you do if a family member or your roommate tests positive for COVID-19?

If the invisible virus enters your home and infects somebody, they would need your assistance to tackle the disease. At the same time, you’ll require protection from the infected person too since the disease is communicable and can rapidly jump onto you.

So, if someone you live with has fever, dry cough and constant weakness for no specified reason, there are chances that the individual has contracted the virus. Sudden loss of smell and taste are key indicators of this infection.

Hence, get the patient tested on priority.

Until you wait for the test reports, follow these precautions without fail:

-Pick a separate room and washroom for the sick person and ask them to restrict their movement within the area.

-Maintain enough social distance (6 feet) from the affected person. Go near them only when both of you have your masks on.

-Dispose the tissues and masks used by the sick person in regular intervals.

-Clean your hands regularly with soap and avoid touching your face as much as you can.

If the test report indicates the person is positive for Covid-19 but with very mild symptoms, doctors suggest, they can be treated at home with strict isolation, healthy diet and medicines prescribed by the doctor. Taking steam at regular interval is also vital for quick recovery.

Keep monitoring the oxygen levels of the patient – it should be well above 95 to be considered safe. However, get the patient admitted to a hospital if symptoms worsen with time.

Meanwhile, family members of the infected person must immediately quarantine them, observe their symptoms and get tested. Even if you’re vaccinated, always remember to check the body symptoms and take medical advice accordingly.

Apart from this, one can always help a Covid-positive patient feel better by doing a few things listed below:

-Keep them entertained in whichever way you can. Make them listen to their favourite music; bring them books they’d love to read and movies that can make them smile.

-Talk to them over calls and never let them overthink about their situation. Make them feel normal. Keep a check on their mental health.

-Clean their surroundings as much as you can and remind them to drink enough warm water. Take one day at a time and the phase will hopefully be gone before you know it!