Take early symptoms seriously to avoid hospitalization, say docs

Nagpur: Due to weather changes, many people are experiencing symptoms similar to Covid-19 these days and panicking. Though every fever and every throat infection is not Covid-19; it is the first thing that hits the mind. The first person most of us visit is our family physician. TOI spoke to some family physicians in city for their advice.
Dealing with hundreds of Covid-like cases daily, these doctors are first-responders for the people and they have important observations about Covid-19 pattern in city.
“Covid-19 starts with fever in symptomatic patients. Most patients visiting my clinic experience fever for a day or two and suspect it as Covid-19. After that the fever recedes and patients think it wasn’t Covid-19 but some other illness,” said Dr Abhishek Sambhre, whose clinic is in Rameshwari area.
“Covid provides this false sense of relaxation for two-three days. I advise people to use this period to get themselves tested. Most refuse as they don’t have any symptom,” he said. Later, symptoms like cough and soreness in throat begin. If ignored at this stage, the condition may deteriorate.
According to Dr Sujata Bhagat, whose clinic is in Manewada, people are reluctant to get themselves tested due to stigma and fear. “Many still fear isolation, hospitalization, and hence avoid tests. If you test early at asymptomatic or mild symptomatic stage, you can avoid hospitalization,” she said.
“Ignoring the symptoms for more than seven-eight days has landed many patients into trouble. Youngsters and healthy people get recovered with their immunity, but they spread infection to vulnerable people like elderly,” she added.
Doctors also highlighted need of following home isolation and physical distancing. “Even if you have mild symptoms, just isolate yourself from family members to safeguard them. Especially, don’t come into contact with senior citizens and those having diabetes, hypertension, kidney and asthma,” said Dr Ejaz Sheikh having clinic in Jaripatka.
“I have seen many young patients recovering in two-three days, but their elderly family members got serious infection in next two weeks,” he added.
What happens with you?
Day
Physical condition
Action to be taken
1
Fever
Monitor your fever, isolate youself
2
Fever
Visit family physician in clinic/hospital
3
No Fever
Monitor your vital parameters/isolate yourself
4
No fever at all
No. you should go for test/ continue isolation
5
Mild cough
Go for test do not ignore
6
Mild cough
Best time to test yourself as per WHO guidelines
7,8, 9
Cough increases
Do not panic, but go for test and take medicines
10
Breathing problem
It’s never too late, go for test
11
Tested Positive
No need to panic, you have all chances to recover
12
SpO2 down
You need hospitalization, but early test would have saved you from this