Post Covid recovery, constantly monitor health, exercise: Govt

Patients who recover from Covid-19 may continue to report a wide variety of signs and symptoms, including fatigue, body ache, cough, sore throat and difficulty in breathing, according to a fresh protocol issued by the health ministry on Sunday for management of patients.

The recovery period is likely to be longer for patients who suffer from a more severe form of the disease and those with pre-existing illnesses, the protocol says. Patients are advised to constantly monitor their health and look for early signs such as a drop in oxygen level or unexplained chest pain.

Besides, it also suggests physical exercise and taking prescribed immunity-boosting medicines after recovery.

The new protocol states that recovered patients should continue to practise “Covid-appropriate behaviour” at the individual level that includes wearing a mask, hand hygiene and following social distancing norms. There is a wide variation in recovery and in some cases, patients have taken several weeks to fully recoup. Doctors are also watching out for long-term effects. “Adequate amount of warm water”, if not indicated otherwise by doctor, and immunity boosting Ayush medicines, only on the advice of a qualified practitioner, have been suggested too.