04/27/2020 - 14:55
- Clarín.com
- The New York Times International Weekly
By Amelia Nierenberg
At this time, there is no cure for coronavirus. And although doctors and researchers are making progress in discovering different ways to treat the disease, there is much uncertainty.
Many common symptoms are still being identified, and families staying at home can take steps now to prepare in case someone becomes ill later, to better monitor their health and alleviate symptoms. Many people who get the coronavirus feel lousy, but they get better in a few weeks.
For starters, make sure you have at least a 30-day supply of prescription drugs if you take any, and make sure you also have a well-stocked first aid kit.
To get an idea of what else you should, and shouldn't, have in your medicine cabinet right now, we spoke with doctors and pharmacists across the United States. Here we mention the medicines and equipment they recommend.
In a bathroom cabinet or closet?
Even before going to the pharmacy, make sure that your medications and equipment can be safely stored.
"A medicine cabinet in a bathroom that is clouded with steam from a bathtub or shower is not an ideal place ," said Ilisa Bernstein, senior vice president of pharmaceutical practice and government affairs for the American Pharmacists Association. " Moisture could affect ingredients over time."
A closet for bedding in the hallway is better, he said. That doesn't mean you have to throw away old medications, but it's good to know for the future. Wherever you store them, make sure the jars are away from children.
Thermometers
Fever is one of the most notable symptoms of the coronavirus.
If you already have a thermometer in your home, make sure there are spare batteries. If you have two, check the temperature in both: they are not infallible . Between each use, disinfect the thermometer with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.
If you're going to buy a thermometer, oral readers are the best , said Stacey Curtis, an assistant clinical professor at the University of Florida School of Pharmacology. An ear thermometer must be placed correctly in order for the reading to be accurate, and a forehead thermometer may not get a good measurement if the patient is sweating, he said.
But in some pharmacies it is not in stock, and some online options are not reliable or take a long time to be delivered. If you can't get a thermometer quickly, don't panic.
Although it can be comforting to know the exact number, it will be obvious if you have a fever, said Stephen Eckel, an associate clinical professor at the University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacology. You will get cold and chills, and you will often sweat or blush. If you are exceptionally weak, dizzy or hallucinating, call your doctor. Check it out before going to the hospital.
Pulse oximeters
Some patients develop pneumonia that can cause oxygen levels to drop before they experience severe symptoms. A pulse oximeter is a manual clamp-shaped device that measures the level of oxygen in the bloodstream . Some are held at the tips of the fingers or the earlobe. Normal readings typically range from 95 percent to 100 percent. A blood oxygen level below 90 is considered low.
There has also been a shortage of pulse oximeters. If you can't find one right away, you can probably get one that can be delivered in a few weeks or a month.
If you get sick and don't have a pulse oximeter at home, don't panic. Although it can be comforting to put a number on a symptom, it is not always necessary, said Albert Rizzo, medical director of the American Lung Association.
"I hate that my patients are obsessed with numbers like that," he said. "I think it is more important that they listen to what their body tells them."
If you have difficulty breathing deeply, call your doctor and report the specific symptoms: I am short of breath now more than yesterday. I can't go upstairs. I am coughing more.
"I'm not saying don't buy it, but it's not what I would have at the top of my list when it's a hard-to-get product," Rizzo said of pulse pulse oximeters. "If you feel like you are short of breath enough that you want to take a pulse oximeter, call your doctor."
Most people do well without them. You can also ask a friend for one (they disinfect easily) or talk to your doctor to check your oxygen levels in an urgent care center.
Fever reducers and pain relievers
Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen reduce fever and can be used to treat the uncomfortable symptoms of fever: headache, cut body, and chills.
Pharmacists caution that too much paracetamol should not be taken as it can cause serious liver damage. And keep in mind that many over-the-counter cough medications also contain acetaminophen. The total amount of acetaminophen taken in pain relievers and cold medicine should not exceed 3,000 milligrams a day. Also, alcohol should not be consumed when taking acetaminophen.
Comorbid patients should check with their doctor before taking any medication. Also, children and adults should take different doses. Be sure to read the label before giving the medicine to children.
Some doctors caution that fever should not be reduced at all. The immune system works best when the body temperature is higher, and dozens of studies have shown that fever is beneficial in fighting infection.
"When treated with fever- reducing drugs, as has been shown time and time again, the body's ability to produce antibodies is decreased ," said Paul Offit, an infectious disease expert at the University of Pennsylvania and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Even if it's uncomfortable, it might be better to sweat this time.
There has been controversy over whether it is safe to take ibuprofen for the coronavirus. The World Health Organization said it was not aware of any research showing that this over-the-counter drug should not be taken by infected patients.
Over-the-counter remedies
There are other things that might ease some symptoms. Throat lozenges will relieve a sore throat, which can be caused by a cough. Make sure children don't choke on them. If you're worried, honey works, too (though not recommended for children under 2).
Coronavirus can cause nausea or diarrhea . Although it may be uncomfortable, it may be better to allow any type of gastrointestinal upset to occur, because it is a way for the body to rid itself of the infection.
"We don't recommend anyone take anything to stop diarrhea," said Curtis. "We want the process to go ahead and have diarrhea."
But diarrhea can cause dehydration, so getting an electrolyte replenisher is recommended to replace minerals. Regular sports drinks are sugary and have less impact.
Cold medications are largely ineffective, but antihistamines can help if you have seasonal allergies.
Tara Parker Pope collaborated on this report.
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