There is barely a single aspect of our lives that has not changed as a result of the COVID-19 virus. For those people in the medical profession, some say the effects of the pandemic have been even more drastic. Glenmed, as a supplier to the medical industry, offers ten key tips to help our clients and colleagues to offer the best care and stay safe during the crisis.
These Tips Can Come In Handy Even If You’re Not a Medical Professional
The information we share on our blog and below can be beneficial to anyone. Rather be as educated as possible, read up on relevant information from trusted resources and be able to make informed decisions.
COVID-19 Tip #1: Check Treatment Guidelines Regularly
The national authorities regularly update the guidelines on treatment as knowledge advances during the course of the pandemic, in line with new evidence and WHO guidelines. These sometimes change from day to day, so regular checks and updates to your treatment prophylaxis practices are absolutely essential.
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COVID-19 Tip #2: Remember There is No Post-Exposure Treatment
There are currently no prophylactic medications for people to take after being exposed to the SARS CoV-2 virus. This makes it extra important to prevent exposure through careful use of PPE and hygiene practices.
COVID-19 Tip #3: Take Careful Note of Non-Respiratory Symptoms
Non-respiratory symptoms, such as gastrointestinal disturbances, neurological problems, fatigue or muscle pain, often precede the development of fevers and respiratory tract issues. So when these symptoms are noted, a COVID-19 diagnosis should be kept in mind as a possibility.
COVID-19 Tip #4: Maintain a High Level of Suspicion for COVID-19 in Children
Children show fewer symptoms than adults when they are infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus – in fact, severe illness rarely manifests in children with COVID-19. This is all the more reason for medical professionals to be extra cautious with children. They may be infected without displaying any major symptoms.
COVID-19 Tip #5: Don’t Rely on CT Scans for Screening
CT scans should not be used to screen for COVID-19 or as a first-line test to diagnose the virus. These should be used only for symptomatic patients with specific clinical indications for CT scans.
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COVID-19 Tip #6: Keep Co-Infections in Mind
Diagnosis of an infection by an antigen other than SARS-CoV-2 does not preclude the presence of the Coronavirus. If a clear indication of some other infection comes through in testing, remain on guard for the possibility of co-morbidity.
COVID-19 Tip #7: Be Aware of The Potential for Rapid Deterioration
Even though many patients may remain asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic after infection, clinicians should be on guard for rapid deterioration roughly one week after the initial onset of symptoms.
COVID-19 Tip #8: Respiratory Distress Takes a Long Time to Set In
Following the last tip, clinicians should be aware that, even if symptoms seem mild for an extended period, acute respiratory distress syndrome can appear after eight to 12 days.
COVID-19 Tip #9: Take Note of Conditions and Levels that Could Exacerbate Illness
There are several conditions and biochemical levels that could exacerbate the severity of symptoms. These should be tested for and kept in mind. They include neutrophilia, elevated serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, high CRP, and high ferritin levels.
COVID-19 Tip #10: Be Careful When Administering Antibiotics
Many COVID-19 patients may present with co-morbid bacterial infections such as pneumonia. Decisions to prescribe antibiotics should be taken on the basis of strong possibilities of community- or healthcare-associated bacterial infection, as well as the severity of symptoms.
Rely on a Medical Professional as a Trusted Source of Information and Assistance
For more advice and discussions of medical matters, particularly those relating to medical technology, read our blog. Contact us to find out more about our professional healthcare solutions.
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