Post-COVID Care: 7 Things You MUST Do After Recovering From Coronavirus
Post-COVID care: 7 things you MUST do after recovering from coronavirus
🙋With 22,057,685 coronavirus cases across the globe and 7, 77,535 fatalities, the pandemic is still raging in many parts of the world. Even as doctors and medical experts across the globe continue to learn more about the novel coronavirus with every passing day, there is still no clear answer to the long term implications of COVID-19. It has been more than 8 months since the novel coronavirus first erupted in China and since then it has been established that the disease attacks the entire body. As COVID-19 is a novel disease and vastly different from a regular viral fever, there are not enough studies which underline the long-term effects of the disease.
ways you need to take care of yourself after testing negative for COVID-19.
However, emerging pieces of evidence do point out that those who recover from COVID-19 may face several long-term issues including shortness of breath, fatigue, headaches and confusion. While on an average, a COVID-19 patient usually recovers in 3 weeks, studies have pointed out that people may suffer from kidney, lungs and heart ailments post-recovery as well. Other possible long-term impacts of COVID-19 include neurological conditions and mental health issues as research shows that the disease can also attack the brain and central nervous system. While the data is still limited and non-conclusive, it is still strongly advised to regularly monitor your symptoms post-recovery to look for any warning signs. We are also listing down 7 ways you need to take care of yourself after testing negative for COVID-19.
9​Give yourself some time
For starters, do not expect to bounce back to your previous life as soon as you get back home or test negative for the disease. Hence, give yourself some time to slowly adjust to your old routine, taking one day at a time. Remember, you have just fought a ravaging illness and it is better to get into your old activities gradually, rather than just diving straight in.
Try puzzles or memory exercises
In order to gradually get back your memory and concentration levels on track, invest some time daily in playing puzzles, memory games and exercises to rack your brain. The key is taking it slow, yet doing something for your mind every day.
🙋Pay attention to warning signs and symptoms
Whether it is a nagging headache or a bout of breathlessness, it is important to pay attention to any warning signs that your body is not doing okay. Always inform your doctor if any such issues crop up, post-recovery.
Revise your medications
If you have any chronic illness and you take regular medication for the same, it is strongly advised to monitor your symptoms closely (checking blood pressure, sugar levels etc,) and consult your healthcare provider if the dosage needs revision.
Remember, you are not IMMUNE to coronavirus
While contracting COVID-19 may have given your body a certain degree of immunity from the disease, emerging studies have suggested that it is most likely temporary. Hence, continue wearing face covers or face masks in public places and practise social distancing.
Save your energy
As you are on a road to recovery, it is important to prioritise the most important tasks and leave everything else. Preserve your energy as much as possible and postpone unnecessary tasks for a later date.
Ask for help
Understand that you do need proper care and rest to feel like yourself again. Hence, seek help whenever you need as it will help you conserve your energy and battle fatigue. Whether it is grocery shopping or cooking, accept the fact that your body needs enough time to recover right now and adjust your expectations with yourself accordingly.