Have you been diagnosed with COVID-19? Know what to do

Have you been diagnosed with COVID-19 and are you being treated at home? The important thing is to stay calm and follow all medical advice.

The new coronavirus manifests itself through these symptoms: cough, fever, headache, sore throat, body pain and difficulty breathing. Therefore, if you have undergone medical tests that have confirmed the diagnosis of COVID-19, it is time to take care of yourself - but also to protect others, which means carefully following the medical indications and, at the same time, preventing the spread of other people.

You should monitor signs and symptoms and maintain a healthy diet. Hospital or emergency care should be sought if symptoms worsen. Especially if the patient experiences shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

How to prevent contagion from other people?

To fight the pandemic, it is essential to break the chains of contagion and the constant increase in the number of infected. In this sense, there are mandatory cares that all patients with COVID-19 who are being treated at home should keep in mind. Take note:

• Reinforce social isolation measures and do not leave the house. Choose to ask family or friends to deliver essential goods you need or, alternatively, use home delivery services.
• If you live with someone, try to live in a separate space. Have a room used only by yourself, for example. If someone is preparing the meal for you, ask them to leave it on a tray outside your bedroom.
• If possible, also use a separate bathroom. If not, disinfect the common bathroom after each use.
• Keep all rooms in the house aired.
• Do not receive visitors at home. Choose to contact by phone or Internet.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Avoid sharing food, kitchen utensils and personal items such as mobile phones, keyboards or headphones.
• If you share spaces with other people, frequently clean and disinfect surfaces with greater contact, such as switches, knobs and knobs, among others.
• Use mask in common environments.

How can we alleviate the anxiety generated by social isolation?

Be in solidarity with people who have been affected by the coronavirus, as no one is to blame for having the disease, and we should not refer to people as victims, sick or infected, but people with COVID-19.

Avoid reading or viewing news that causes stress or anxiety, look for information to help protect or update from time to time.

Chat with friends, by phone or apps. If you have the means, make daily video calls to friends, relatives and – if you have them – children and grandchildren to catch up. Or, establish a common prayer time. This can provide a sense of belonging and connection.

Look for examples of people who have been cured of their illness, or people who have helped someone close to recover, and offer emotional support to those in need – Stay optimistic!

How to deal with the stigma of infection?

It is very important that everyone is well informed, particularly about how COVID-19 is transmitted, to avoid the stigma associated with this disease. Try to explain to people around you both the care you have and the care they should have. This is the key to overcoming the problem more quickly and without feelings of marginalization.