It's my fifth day of being COVID positive. I just wanted to share a piece of very simple advice with all my viewers:
Stay Calm and Don't Panic
As it's getting cold, there is a resurgence of COVID-19 cases. I was so happy when I last did a round of COVID Isolation ward and only had to see two suspected COVID patients.
I was very optimistic and thought the pandemic is over. However, more than half of my doctor friends, colleagues, seniors, and junior doctors are now positive. This could be the weather, our negligence, or new viral mutations.
Last week, in my private clinic, I saw many patients with respiratory symptoms. Among them was one patient who was 32 years of age and morbidly obese. She was running a fever of 101 F and was brought in a wheelchair because of shortness of breath. When I checked her oxygen via a pulse oximeter, you won't believe the value ...
She had an oxygen saturation of 54%!!
I told them to go straight to the emergency for oxygen support and admission in the intensive care. However, they said that they were actually coming from the hospital because of poor care. I arranged oxygen cylinders for them and started her on anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and dexamethasone.
Her condition improved within 24 hours and her oxygen saturation improved to 88% without oxygen support. https://soundcloud.com/e-medz/covid-19-positive-patient-response-to-treatment
A similar patient had come to me two months back but he deteriorated later. The only difference between the two patients was that the first patient exerted a lot. He used to travel without oxygen to hospitals and clinics for intravenous medications. This patient was managed totally at home. Although she was put on oxygen for 24 hours.
Maybe this patient was lucky too!!
My patient got better but I got sick. It's my fifth day of being COVID positive. My whole family is affected too including my two little kids.
Among the few things that are helping me recover fast from COVID 19 are:
Lots of sleep
Lots of green tea with lemon and NO SUGAR
Lots of hot showers
Frequent Gargles
A teaspoon of natural honey at night
Drinking warm water
Lots of prayers
People panic when they are tested positive. Take all precautions, do your best, and leave the rest to Allah (Subhan wa Ta'lah)
Why you should Stay Calm and Not Panic?
When you panic and exert, your stress hormones go up. This increases the utilization of more and more oxygen. Exertion here doesn't mean running or exercising. Of course, you need rest too. However, when you eat a full stomach or have a heavy meal, and have more proteins and fats in your diet, your body needs more energy to digest these foods.
This increases your energy expenditures and indirectly your oxygen demands increase. You should have soft bowels. If you are constipated, you'll strain a lot, requiring more energy and hence oxygen.
Lastly, although, COVID 19 virus knows no barriers, I would still emphasize that everyone should wear a mask and use hand sanitizers.
