What Health Ministry’s latest COVID19 guidelines suggest for treatment of mild, asymptomatic cases
As opposed to the high quantities of anti-biotic medications being prescribed by the doctors for mild cases of COVID19, the Directorate General of Health Services has removed all such medicines from its guidelines and has emphasised on basic and symptomatic treatment. More details here.
The guidelines advised caution to doctors while referring patients for a high-resolution CT (Computed Tomography) scan of the chest.
In its revised guidelines for the treatment of COVID19 patients, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has excluded all medicines except those that are antipyretic (treat fever) and antitussive (treat cold and cough). The medicines that have been officially removed from the guidelines include Ivermectin and Doxycycline which have been availed widely as a primary treatment.
In order to prevent asymptomatic and mild COVID19 cases from worsening, doctors have been widely prescribing hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin, doxycycline, zinc supplements among other medications. But the guidelines have not included any of these medications for mild and asymptomatic cases.
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The guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Health Services on May 27 state that for asymptomatic cases no medication is required whatsoever, while noting that medications for other co-morbid conditions should be continued.
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“Patients are advised to seek tele consultation; and Covid-19 appropriate behaviour must be observed such as mask, strict hand hygiene and physical distancing,” the guidelines stated.
Also, the guidelines advised caution to doctors while referring them for a High-resolution CT (Computed Tomography) scan of the chest.
“HRCT imaging of chest done in the first week of illness might often underestimate the extent of lung involvement, giving a false sense of security… Radiation exposure due to repeated HRCT imaging may be associated with risk of cancer later in life,” it advised.
Talking of steroids for moderate and severe cases, it stated that they are actually are harmful in asymptomatic and mild cases of COVID-19. “Steroids should be used at the Right Time, in Right dose and for Right duration,” it said.
The guidelines laid importance on the need to stay hydrated and have a balanced diet for asymptomatic and mild COVID19 cases.