Managing COVID-19 At Home With Assistance From Your General Practice
Most people with COVID-19 will be self-managed at home during isolation, with regular telehealth consultations (check-ups) with your General Practice. It is best if you can use video for these check-ups, otherwise phone check-ups will be used. Your doctor will want to know how your symptoms are going, as well as knowing your pulse rate, breathing rate and oxygen levels if you have a pulse oximeter.
Having a “kit” with some essential items will help to manage your symptoms and also assist your GP in assessing your wellbeing. We recommend the following:
- A thermometer
- Medication to relieve pain and fever (eg Paracetamol or Ibuprofen)
- Enough of your regular medicines
- Masks, hand sanitizer, gloves
- Oral rehydration solutions (eg Gastrolyte/Hydrolyte) especially if you have children at home
- Lozenges or throat spray to assist with sore throat symptoms
- A pulse oximeter can be helpful to monitor your oxygen levels if you can afford this. Most pulse oximeters are not suitable for children.