COVID19: Home Quarantine Instructions and Precautions

By Dr. Sanjay Sanadhya in Internal Medicine

Sep 12, 2020

COVID19 has become a major crisis, especially for Health Care workers, more so because we still do not know much about the virus yet. Fortunately, as per the current data, we can conclude that 80% of the patients have mild disease and recover completely without any serious complications.

What is Home Quarantine

As stated above the majority of patients only sow mild symptoms and can be treated through “Home Isolation Care”. In-home quarantine patients are isolated at home with specific instructions and are monitored and cared for distantly under the supervision of a physician. At any point, if their situation deteriorates, they’re shifted to the best hospital in Noida. It is being opted by Govt and not only reduces financial burden, the mental stress of the patient, and their family but also reduces the burden on medical resources which then can be used more effectively for patients in a serious condition.

Duration of COVID-19 Home Quarantine:

As the guidelines home isolation is recommended for a minimum of 17 days during which the patient is expected to recover completely and become non-infectious.

Patients are recommended for Home Quarantine by treating physicians based on certain factors. An adult patient less than 50yrs of age without any serious or chronic disease, only have mild symptoms like fever less than 101F, no breathlessness, no vomiting and should be able to continue oral intake adequately. Patients should have a healthy caretaker from 25 to 50yrs of age. House should have a separate, well-ventilated room with the attached toilet to be used exclusively by the patient. It is advisable to shift pregnant women or old family members or members with serious illnesses to other locations for this duration. In case of any doubt, one should immediately get in touch with a medical consultant at the best hospital in Delhi NCR.

COVID-19 Home Quarantine hygiene instructions:

Frequent hand hygiene regimes, avoiding touching face and proper sanitization of surfaces to be followed by all members. Metallic surfaces are to be sanitized by alcohol-based sanitizer and other surfaces including floors are to be sanitized with 1% sodium hypochlorite solution which can be prepared easily at home by dissolving 7gms of bleaching powder in 1L of water. Toilets should not be sprayed. Rather the prepared solution should be taken on a cloth and then wiped. The lid of the toilet should be shut before flushing the same.

Instructions for the patient during COVID-19 home Quarantine:

• The patient should strictly remain in a room at all times, should always use a triple layer ply mask or N95 mask which should be changed every 8 hrs or whenever it gets soiled.
• The patient should take prescribed medications regularly and should self-monitor as instructed by the doctor. If at any time their pulse is more than 100 without fever or temp more than 101F or O2 saturation is less than 95% or they feel dizzy with less urination, treating physicians should be contacted for advice. If one suspects themselves to have made contact with an infected person, one can opt for the Home Quarantine package offered by the top hospital in Noida, which includes a self-monitoring kit and regular monitoring by specialized medical consultants.
• It is advised that patients should take plenty of fluids and fruits, adequate quantities of vegetables, and should include proteins, natural immunity boosters such as turmeric and ginger in their diet.
• It’s not emotional isolation so patients should remain in touch with friends and family to keep them relaxed.

COVID-19 Home Quarantine Instructions for caretakers:

• The caretaker should always wear a proper mask, disposable gloves, face shield, and plastic gown, which should be sanitized immediately after leaving the room.
• The patient’s utensils (preferably disposable) and linen should be separate. Linen should be washed in boiling water.
• The caretaker should keep a close watch on medication and monitor patients regularly. They should self monitor themselves as well.
• No family member should leave the house for the entire period. They can take help from friends or other family members or home delivery for daily household items.
• Neighbors should sanitize the common space – railing, lift, common switches, and buttons at least once a day.
• They should remain in touch with the family of the patient and help whenever needed.

We have witnessed instances where the patients or whole families of the suspected COVID19 have been ostracized by their neighbors or even family members. We need to follow the guidelines properly and we can fight this pandemic without causing any social problems. We need to be cautious all the time and should not be scared. In case of any suspicion of infection, you can get in touch with us and we are always here to take care of you.