ASOURCE Navi

With the rapid spread of the new coronavirus infection, the number of home care patients is increasing at an accelerating pace. Among them, there are many who are forced to recuperate at home due to difficulties in coordinating hospitalization. What should I pay attention to in order not to become severe during home treatment? I summarized the points.

As of August 31, there are about 20,000 people in Tokyo who are recovering from the novel coronavirus at home. Of these, just under 7,000 are currently undergoing hospitalization, accommodation, and other arrangements. Most of them are young people in their 20s and 30s, mainly in their 40s.
The period of home care is defined as ``10 days after onset and 72 hours after symptoms have subsided''. In accordance with the instructions of the public health center, it is not possible to go out to avoid contact with people. The condition of the new corona may suddenly change during home treatment, and it is said that it is necessary to be especially careful during the 7 to 10 days after the onset. If cough, phlegm, and dyspnea become stronger during this period, pneumonia may be progressing. In that case, we will inform the public health center of the detailed changes in the condition. However, in respiratory failure caused by the new coronavirus, there are some cases where subjective symptoms such as shortness of breath are scarce even when the oxygen in the body is considerably low. For this reason, it is necessary to prepare a pulse oximeter and check the value of oxygen saturation by frequently measuring it, and some local governments lend pulse oximeters to home care patients. According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's "New Coronavirus Infectious Disease COVID-19 Medical Treatment Guide", an oxygen saturation of less than 96% is defined as Moderate I and hospitalization in principle. In addition, 93% or less is defined as moderate disease II, and is positioned as a hospitalization target that requires oxygen administration. If oxygen saturation drops, or symptoms such as sudden strong chest pain or arrhythmia appear, it is necessary to contact the public health center.

However, pulse oximeters are currently in short supply due to a surge in demand nationwide. As a point to notice the progression of symptoms without a pulse oximeter,
① Shortness of breath when walking to the toilet
(2) The number of breaths per minute exceeds 20 (the normal number of breaths is 12-15)
are considered dangerous signs.

If there is a home sanatorium infected with the new coronavirus at home, it is necessary to devise ways to ensure that the cohabitants can live safely without being infected with the new coronavirus.

① Divide the room as much as possible
(2) A limited number of people will take care of the infected (preferably one person).
③ Everyone wears a mask
④ Frequent ventilation and hand washing
⑤ Disinfect common areas such as handles, knobs, toilet seats and flush levers.
⑥ Wash dirty linen and clothes
7) Trash is tightly sealed and discarded.

etc. is required. Patients recuperating at home should spend their time in a private room, and cohabitants should wear a mask when entering and exiting the private room, and wash or disinfect their hands after leaving the room. Regular ventilation of the infected person's room is recommended, as well as ventilation of rooms where other family members are present. If it is difficult to separate the room from the infected person, it is recommended to separate the room with a curtain, etc., with a space of at least 2 meters.

If you live alone, in addition to contacting the public health center, it is important to keep in touch with your family and friends, and if you are unable to contact them, it is important to have them notice that your condition has worsened as soon as possible. The new coronavirus can cause symptoms to worsen rapidly, regardless of whether you are young or old, so it is a good idea to have your family and friends contact you regularly. It is also helpful to leave infection prevention supplies such as disposable gloves, masks, and antiseptic solutions at the entrance for those who come to support patients from outside. Also, it is a good idea to keep a stockpile of preserved food and drinking water for one to two weeks, over-the-counter antipyretic analgesics, and a thermometer.