The Ministry of Health has revised the guidelines for the treatment of Kovid, reminding that although there are no significant problems with Kovid infection through Omicron, a cautious approach is required. Accordingly, if the cough following Kovid persists for more than 2–3 weeks, a tuberculosis test should be performed as a precaution. This means that you need to be careful if you have a persistent cough following the Kovid infection. Check out what the new Kovid guidelines suggest, including:
∙ No new drugs
The treatment given to Kovid patients is still experimental. There are three main factors in the treatment of Kovid. One, antiviral drugs to reduce viral load, and two, use steroids to prevent cytokine syndrome, which can adversely affect the lungs, and three, medications to prevent blood clotting.
Of these, the most recently approved antiviral drug in India, Molnupiravir, barcitinib, which can be given to patients with severe Kovid infection, and Strovimab, a monoclonal antibody given to patients with mild to moderate Kovid infection, should not be given to Kovid patients. The problem is the concern about the possible side effects.
∙ Change in omicon
Covid infection, which does not significantly affect the lungs, is the most prevalent form of Omicron. Therefore, these groups are considered to be mild to moderately infected. They should be assured that they have no problems including shortness of breath and that the fever does not persist for more than 5 days. In cases where the oxygen level in the blood drops below 90 and the respiration rate exceeds 30 beats per minute, the patient should be transferred to the intensive care unit.
∙ High Risk Section
The new treatment guidelines also provide a precise definition of the ‘high risk’ category in which Kovid can become serious. According to Kovid, people over the age of 60, those who are overweight, obese, immunocompromised due to diseases including diabetes, HIV, tuberculosis, lung, liver and kidney problems, as well as brain problems are among the most likely to die. Even if they have a mild illness, they can continue home isolation only as prescribed by a doctor. The inclusion of people with tuberculosis in the high-risk category is also a new change.
∙ Can be kept in mind
Health experts recommend that the number of covid sufferers not be considered as life-threatening but rather as a growing problem. Kovid treatment and precise interventions are important in this situation. As soon as Kovid arrived, a drug cocktail (a combination of several drugs) was introduced into the treatment and this should be avoided, the AIIMS director said. Randeep Guleria has a warning. Uncontrolled use of drugs that do not prove effective will do more harm than good. It is important not only what medication is given but also at what time. He also says that there is a risk of giving too early or too late.
∙ Who owns the hospital?
People with moderate to severe viral infections should rely on the hospital. They should definitely contact a medical officer or doctor for hospital treatment. They show some of the problems that are evident on examination along with other common Kovid symptoms.
Moderate-infected patients – Respiratory rate greater than 24 beats per minute, oxygen saturation below 94 (this can be checked at home with a pulse oximeter) In these cases, the patient should be hospitalized. Oxygen therapy, antiviral therapy, plasma therapy, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory therapy are recommended. Treatment may also be needed to prevent blood clots.
Severely ill – Respiratory rate more than 30 beats per minute, oxygen saturation less than 90 beats per minute. In this case the patient may need to be hospitalized and even ICU treatment may be required. The doctor will also consider the patient’s condition and decide if ventilator assistance is needed. Plasma therapy should not be used. If the disease persists for 10–14 days, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory treatments may be given.
∙ What medicine can be given?
The guideline, prepared by the Delhi AIIMS, states that only the antiviral drug Remdacivir and the monoclonal antibody drug Tosilisumab are permitted for immediate use in the treatment of Kovid in emergencies. Although the Drugs Controller General has given his approval, the antiviral drug Molnupiravir has not been included in the treatment guidelines due to fears of side effects.
The guidelines also contain strict guidelines for the use of Remdecivir and Tocilisumab. Accordingly, Remdicivir should be given only to those who need oxygen supplementation and those seeking treatment for moderate to severe Kovid infection. Rendivizir should not be taken by people with severe problems related to kidney disease and liver inflammation. The drug should be taken within 10 days of the onset of Kovid symptoms.
Do not use Rendicivir if you do not need an oxygen supplement and stay at home. Tosilisumab should be given to critically ill patients. Within 24 to 48 hours of being admitted to the intensive care unit. It should be used in conditions similar to cytokine syndrome, which adversely affects the lungs. As well as reducing inflammation in the final stages of treatment. Only in cases where that and other drugs are not effective.
∙ Excluded treatments
Hydroxy chloroquine, which was initially prescribed as a preventive medicine, was occasionally included in the treatment guidelines. Data omitted due to insufficiency. There are still people who use it because the side effects are less. The Ministry of Health says this is not true. The ministry also bans the widespread use of ivermectin without a prescription. Plasma therapy, which had previously been significantly promoted, was also eliminated. Although it occurs in some hospitals with the use of certain monoclonal antibody drugs, it is not in the treatment guidelines of the Central Government.
∙ Care
The guideline also states that patients who are on a ventilator and those whose oxygen level is not normal may be able to take advantage of other means of food and respiration (invasive intubation), depending on their physical condition, if necessary.
English Summary: Check out The Official Guidelines of Covid Treatment in India
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