CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS, MEDICAL AND NUTRITIONAL MANAGEMENT OF NON-SEVERE HOME- QUARANTINED COVID-19 PATIENTS IN PAKISTAN: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY
Main Article Content
Keywords
Home-quarantine, COVID-19, Oxygen saturation, antipyretics, immunity
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The majority of coronavirus-infected patients were reported to have mild symptoms and home treatment of these individuals was successful without considerable mortality. The purpose of the present study was to determine the epidemiological and clinical characteristics as well as treatment approaches, nutritional status, and outcomes of home quarantines of non-severe COVID-19 patients.
Methods: A total of 365 COVID-19 non-severe patients with stable medical conditions were enrolled in the study. Data regarding clinical features such as symptoms, treatment regimen, dietary supplements, and impact on lifestyle was obtained using a standard questionnaire. Patients were continuously monitored by health care providers and their oxygen saturation levels were also measured.
Results: According to results, 76% were suffering from fever as an initial symptom, followed by cough (52%), muscle weakness (93%), and dizziness (88%) and 5% of patients were asymptomatic. Commonly used medications were analgesics and antipyretics, antiplatelet drugs, bronchodilators, and vitamins. The important food utilized by corona patients was vegetables, fresh fruits and juices, animal-source foods, unsalted nuts, legumes, and whole grains. The treatment duration varies depending upon the condition and immunity of the patients with an average recovery period of 16.7±5.4 days.
Conclusion: The results proved that management of non-severe COVID-19 patients at home with close monitoring is an encouraging step for improving the health condition of the patients, lowering the number of admitted patients in hospitals and the fatality rate.
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