Revised COVID-19 guidelines released by the government  |  Photo Credit: Reuters
Amid an ongoing spike in COVID-19/ Omicron cases across the country, the COVID-19 National Task Force under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released revised clinical guidance for the management of adult COVID-19 patients across states. The revised clinical guidelines for the management of COVID-19 patients have advised various levels of precautions as well as treatments for COVID-19 patients on the basis of symptoms – Mild, Moderate and Severe.
A quick guide to some of the key points in COVID-19 guidelines has been included below.
What is a mild infection of COVID-19?
According to the Health Ministry COVID-19 guidelines, Mild COVID-19 infection involves upper respiratory tract symptoms and/ or fever without shortness of breath. The guidelines recommend home isolation for such cases and advise, among others, physical distancing, indoor mask use, hydration, antipyretics, anti-tussive and urge patients to stay in contact with the treating physician besides monitoring temperature and oxygen saturation.
While asking patients to ensure physical distancing, the Health Ministry guidelines also recommend patients to seek immediate medical attention if they experience difficulty in breathing, high-grade fever or severe cold for more than five days.
What is moderate COVID-19 disease?
Respiratory rate more than or equal to 24 per minute, breathlessness has been categorised as ‘moderate’ disease. In this stage, the SpO2 level is 90 per cent to 93 per cent on room air. Admission to a hospital ward is recommended in such cases. The government has also suggested oxygen support with target SpO2: 92-96% (88-92% in patients with COPD) besides the use of a non-rebreathing mask, awake proning.
The government guidelines also suggest anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory therapy besides other measures.
What is severe COVID-19 disease?
Respiratory rate more than or equal to 30 per minute and SpO2 less than 90 per cent is considered severe COVID-19 according to the guidelines. Recommended action involves admission to HDU/ ICU.
The guidelines recommend respiratory support, including the use of NIV and urge doctors to consider the use of HFNC in patients with increasing Oxygen requirements. “Use institutional protocol for ventilatory management when required,” the guidelines suggest along with prescribed medication to tackle the severe infection of COVID-19.