It will take at least 1 to 2 weeks for symptoms to improve after turning negative! Beijing Municipal Health Commission issued a guideline for health management during the recovery period

On December 29, Beijing Municipal Health Commission issued the "Expert Guidelines for Health Management of Patients Infected with Novel Coronavirus During the Recovery Period (First Edition)". The "Guidelines" remind citizens that during the recovery period of novel coronavirus infection, although the results of nucleic acid and antigen tests have turned negative, the body has not yet recovered to the pre-disease level, and it will take 1 to 2 weeks or even longer to fully alleviate. During this stage, personal protection, daily life, daily activities and exercise, and returning to work should be gradually restored to normal in accordance with the principle of gradual progress and doing what one can.

Click on the picture for the full text of "Guidelines"↓↓↓

There are 9 main problems during the recovery period of infection

The "Guidelines" suggest that people in the recovery period of COVID-19 infection currently have the following main health problems: shortness of breath, limited physical activity and exercise, decreased physical strength and fatigue, hoarseness and cough, swallowing problems, smell and taste problems, anxiety, depression and sleep problems, body pain, etc.

1. Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath is common after COVID-19 infection. You can try various positions to relieve shortness of breath to see which one works best.

Prone position: Lying flat on your stomach (prone) can help relieve shortness of breath;

Forward Leaning: Sitting at a table, leaning forward from the waist up, with the head and neck resting on a pillow on the tabletop, and the arms resting on the table, or sitting in a chair, leaning forward, with the arms resting on the knees or the chair armrests;

Forward leaning position: In the standing position, lean forward and lie on the windowsill or other stable support surface;

Back-leaning standing position: With your back against a wall, place your hands on both sides of your body, your feet about 30 cm away from the wall, and your legs apart.

In addition, be aware of the following situations that require prompt medical attention : very noticeable shortness of breath after even mild activity that does not improve with any posture that relieves shortness of breath; shortness of breath that changes in intensity when at rest and does not improve with any breathing control techniques; chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or dizziness during certain postures, activities, or exercises; weakness in the face, arms, and legs, especially on one side of the body.

2. Cough

Coughing is an important defensive reflex of the body, which helps to clear respiratory secretions and harmful factors. Mild coughs generally do not require treatment. If there is a lot of sputum or the sputum is difficult to cough up, you can take expectorants such as acetylcysteine, ambroxol hydrochloride, eucalyptus citratus capsules, and carbocysteine. If the cough is mainly dry, you can take dextromethorphan, compound methoxyphenamine capsules, antihistamines, etc.

In terms of traditional Chinese medicine, if accompanied by throat pain or cough (especially dry cough), without other symptoms, you can take Jingfang Baidu Powder, Yinqiao Powder, Sangju Drink to dissipate heat, produce body fluid, moisten the lungs and relieve cough. You can also use traditional Chinese medicine external treatments such as scraping. If the cough is severe, affects daily work or sleep, or lasts for more than 3 weeks, it is recommended to go to the hospital for treatment.

3. Fatigue

Feeling weak or fatigued that is not significantly relieved after rest is the most commonly reported symptom in the recovery period of COVID-19 infection.

Maintain a regular rhythm of daily life, prioritize activities, and make a reasonable work plan. If the symptoms are mild and there is no dyspnea, regular treatment of the underlying disease can be given while appropriate Qi-tonifying drugs are given, such as lily, platycodon, etc., which can replenish lung Qi and promote the flow of Qi.

You can use traditional Chinese medicine external treatments such as soaking and washing. Take 3 slices of ginger (about the size of a one-yuan coin), add 5 grams of moxa and 5 grams of salt, boil for 10 minutes, add water above the ankle joint, control the temperature at 40-43℃, maintain this temperature for about 30 minutes, once a day. It is best to sweat slightly, not sweat profusely. If you have heart disease, the soaking time needs to be halved, and it must not be too long. If you have difficulty breathing and cannot be relieved, you need to go to the hospital for medical treatment in time.

4. Insomnia

During the recovery process of COVID-19 infection, you may experience symptoms such as difficulty falling asleep, short sleep duration, shallow sleep, and frequent dreams. Make sure there are no distractions in your environment, such as excessive light or noise; try to stop using electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets one hour before bedtime; minimize nicotine (such as smoking), caffeine, and alcohol intake; try relaxation techniques that help you fall asleep, such as meditation, mindfulness stress reduction therapy, mindfulness or bathing, aromatherapy, Tai Chi, yoga, and music. You can also use Chinese medicine bathing and other methods.

5. Pain

During the process of COVID-19 infection and recovery, pain symptoms such as bone and joint pain, muscle soreness, and sore throat may occur.

For joint, muscle or whole body pain, you can take analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen with meals. For sore throat, you can use drugs such as Jinhoujian and mint lozenges. Good sleep can help relieve pain symptoms. Listening to relaxing music or meditating can also help relieve pain. Adjusting the pace of daily activities is one of the keys to controlling pain. You can also use traditional Chinese medicine external treatments such as hot compresses and scraping. If you have obvious chest pain, you should go to a medical institution for treatment in time.

6. Palpitations

During the recovery stage of COVID-19 infection, some patients experience symptoms of panic and palpitations. At this time, it is recommended to pay attention to rest, adjust your daily routine, and get enough sleep. At the same time, you should strengthen your nutrition and eat more foods rich in protein and vitamins to improve your body's disease resistance. If the symptoms of palpitations are obvious, the beats per minute continue to exceed 100 times and less than 60 times, or irregular beats occur, you need to be alert to the occurrence of viral myocarditis . It is recommended to go to the hospital for examination in time to find out the cause and take measures.

7. Sound issues

COVID-19 infection can cause a sore throat, an irritating cough, and a feeling of phlegm in the throat, which requires frequent throat clearing. You may also have a weak, wheezy, or hoarse voice, especially after being on a ventilator in the hospital. Stay hydrated and drink small amounts of water frequently throughout the day to keep your voice as normal as possible. Do not speak above a whisper, as this can strain your vocal cords, and try not to speak loudly or shout. Inhaling steam (from a cup of boiling water with a towel over your head) for 10-15 minutes can relieve dryness and moisturize your vocal tract. It is recommended that you stop smoking.

8. Swallowing problems

If you have trouble swallowing food and drinks, the muscles that help you swallow may be weak. Sit upright when eating or drinking, and never lie down to eat or drink. Stay upright (sit, stand, walk) for at least 30 minutes after eating.

Try different textures of food, choose softer, smoother or moister foods, or cut solid foods into very small pieces. Chew food slowly and don't gulp it down. Pay attention when you eat or drink. Eat in a quiet place if possible. Avoid talking while eating or drinking. Make sure there is no food in your mouth before you eat or drink the next bite. Swallow once if necessary. If you feel tired after eating a full meal, eat smaller meals more often throughout the day.

9. Decreased sense of smell and taste

If you experience a loss of smell or taste, try the following: Brush your teeth twice a day to ensure oral hygiene. Practice smell training, including smelling lemon, rose, clove, or eucalyptus twice a day for 20 seconds. Try adding herbs and spices to your food, such as lemon juice and fresh herbs. Most people with a loss of smell and taste will recover within a month after a COVID-19 infection. Life should be gradual and within your ability during the recovery period.

Do not lower your self-protection standards because of "Yang Kang"

The "Guidelines" also mentioned that it is currently the peak season for respiratory infectious diseases in winter. The risk of superimposed epidemics of new coronavirus infection and respiratory infectious diseases in winter and spring such as influenza and common cold cannot be ruled out. Self-protection standards cannot be lowered because of "Yang Kang" . When going out, we must continue to wear masks scientifically, reduce gatherings, and avoid going to crowded places and confined spaces unless necessary. Keep your hands clean at all times, especially after contact with suspicious pollutants or high-frequency contact surfaces of public objects. Exercise should start with low-intensity activities such as walking, Ba Duan Jin, and simple daily housework on the basis of regular living, adequate nutrition and sleep. If there is no obvious discomfort, the intensity of the activity can be gradually increased within a few weeks until it returns to the normal activity state before the illness.

When you first return to work, you should start with lighter work and gradually return to your normal workload and working status, avoiding stress, overtime, staying up late, etc.

Some children and adolescents will continue to cough for a period of time after being infected with the new coronavirus. If it does not affect daily life and does not require special treatment, antitussive drugs are usually not recommended. However, if the child originally has bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, etc., and the cough lasts for more than 3 weeks and does not recover, and the cough mainly occurs at night, he or she should also seek medical attention in time.

Elderly people with underlying diseases will have their underlying diseases aggravated after being infected with the new coronavirus. For example, elderly people with hypertension may have unstable blood pressure after being infected, elderly people with diabetes may have unstable blood sugar after being infected, elderly people with cerebrovascular disease may have the risk of cerebral infarction or bleeding after being infected, and elderly people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may have coughing and worsening breathing difficulties after being infected.

After treatment, the nucleic acid or antigen test of the elderly may turn negative, but the aggravated underlying disease may not necessarily stabilize . Blood pressure, blood sugar, finger oxygen saturation, etc. need to be closely monitored. If the unstable condition lasts for a long time, please go to the hospital in time to adjust the treatment plan of the underlying disease.

Source: Beijing Evening News WeChat Official Account