Four lessons from managing COVID-19 at home

Yesterday, my family and I began our recuperation from a two-week home-based, illness experience with COVID-19. As I shared my experience with colleagues, friends, and the wider community I’m part of, I realized that we could learn from and mutually help each other. I’m starting this conversation to share learnings, beginning with my own experience. These learnings are by no means comprehensive, and are likely to apply to the majority of cases where the primary objective is to manage through home isolation and online medical intervention. I have deliberately stayed away from any medical advice, as that should only be taken from a medical professional. Here are my top four learnings:    

1. Act fast and decisively: The decision point to believe that the COVID-19 virus is inside your home is the most critical moment. Most wait to get full confirmation before acting, which can prove to be counterproductive. The positive RTPCR reports for us came only 5 days after the first symptoms showed up and in the second round of testing. However, my doctor helped me with medical advice and isolation early, which helped reduce the overall impact and cycle for all in the household. At the earliest signs of first symptoms and transmission, I took the stance that until I have conclusive evidence to prove otherwise, I would work with the assumption that the COVID-19 virus is in my home and everyone including me is at risk.   
2. Ask for help: The most important action step in the whole cycle was to get to a doctor ASAP, who could stay the journey with me and my family. In my case, I called to check with our regular family doctor at the earliest, and thankfully got online consultation support. There is a lot of information that will come from all sources, but there is no substitute for professional medical guidance. Also, an early reach out to get the support of friends, family, and colleagues on managing home isolation along with professional medical advice can be invaluable - there should be no hesitation in asking for help. This can be a lonely disease, and one just needs to ask for support. The volunteer support groups of all types are doing inspiring selfless work during this time.  
3. Create Clarity: Keeping a very detailed chart of symptoms, parameters, medication for each patient is critical. Doctors and medical support are stretched physically and mentally, and we need to help them with precise information to get the best advice back from them. In an adverse case, if one does get to hospitalization or has to change doctors mid-course, a well-kept chart can be very useful in these transitions. Data trendlines help medical interventions be more effective.   
4. Prioritize your well-being: Many of us can get caught in the decision dilemma of what to prioritize: oneself as a patient or the caregiving for family, especially children and dependents. This is a fine balance, and each situation demands different action. However, the general airline emergency oxygen rule applies - in an emergency, you cannot help your family for long if you don’t take strong care of yourself first. I had to keep that balance clear as I navigated the crises for me and the family.  

These are very simple and basic learnings, that I might have also shared two weeks back, before experiencing COVID-19 personally. However, once you are in the eye of the storm, it’s easy to disregard these simple rules. It will be good to hear your reactions, and please share your learnings. If this dialogue helps a few families avoid hospitalization and manage the illness at home… then my purpose of sharing and initiating this is served. Stay safe!