Have flu-like symptoms? Wear a mask even at home

People should wear masks at home if any family member shows flu or Covid symptoms, say experts. They add that people should avoid gatherings even at home. Representation pic

As at least one person is showing symptoms of either Covid-19 or seasonal flu at almost every house in the city, mid-day speaks with health experts who explain that symptoms of both are similar, and suggest ways to prevent further spread of the viruses. They stress on the need to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour even at home if someone has developed flu-like symptoms.

Covid spread in homes

"Overcrowding, poor barrier protection and cold weather have acted as triple whammy in some states. Crowding increases the exposure between humans as well as pets, leading to rapid transmission of Covid-19," said Dr Subhash Hira, professor of Global Health at the University of Washington. He added, "Winter cold allows Coronavirus, which causes Covid-19, to linger in the air in the lower strata of the atmosphere. That spray of hanging virus readily enters the respiratory airways of humans and pets."

‘Wear mask even at home'

"Since Covid-19 cases are increasing in Mumbai, each house has at least one person with flu-like symptoms, and people are worried. First thing we need to do is not panic. If you have flu-like symptoms, start wearing a mask even at home, especially when talking to others. Keep distance from elderly people and children. Sanitise hands frequently. If there are minimal symptoms, like runny nose or throat irritation, gargle with warm salt water thrice a day, and drink warm water always. No need to do a Covid-19 test for such mild symptoms," said Dr Santosh Bansode, HoD, Emergency Medicine Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central.

"Get a Covid-19 test done if you have severe throat pain, fever and generalised weakness. Drink lots of fluids and eat a healthy, and high-protein diet. Gargle with chlorhexidine mouthwash thrice a day. Take a paracetamol tablet for fever. Stay in quarantine till symptoms subside. If your Covid-19 test report is positive, follow quarantine protocols. Patients with mild symptoms can be treated at home. They should check their oxygen level after 6 minutes of slow walk twice daily, and inform the doctor if it drops below 94.

"Since the weather has become cold, cases might increase as we have seen in western countries where virus spread was fast in low temperature. So be more careful in this season," Dr Bansode said.

‘Don't share food'

"People should avoid ceremonial visits, travel, marriages, or any other parties. One should not share food, and even sharing water bottles carries risk of transmission," said Dr Pankaj Titar, medical officer at a Covid centre run by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC). "Also, avoid touching common surfaces on buses, trains, or any other public transport. After walking their pets, people don't realise that the leash touched the ground and that it should also be sanitised."

‘Avoid self-treatment'

Dr Ketan Vagholkar, professor of Surgery at D Y Patil Medical College, said, "Presently, the Omicron symptoms are described as mild, but the progression is unpredictable. The sudden dip in atmospheric temperature has complicated the issue. Differentiating the seasonal viral flu from Covid-19 has posed a new challenge. People must exercise utmost precaution, follow Covid-appropriate behaviour both at home and at workplace. Good nutrition, adequate sleep and avoiding any gatherings, even at home, are essential. If someone develops mild symptoms, they should contact their physician. People should refrain from self-treatment, as it could be dangerous."

Flu vs Covid-19

Dr Wiqar Shaikh, professor of Medicine, Grant Medical College and Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, said that both Covid-19 and flu are contagious, but the former spreads faster than the latter. Both have common symptoms, like fever, cough, shortness of breath, tiredness, sore throat, stuffy nose, body ache and headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, he added. Loss of taste and smell is more frequent with Covid-19. He said co-morbid people should be watched over aggressively and treated under strict medical supervision.

Dos and don'ts for flu or Covid patient(s) at home

>> Avoid any gatherings in the house
>> Isolate the person in a room, ideally with a separate toilet
>> Only one person should tend to the patient, and always wear a mask. Wash hand using soap or use a hand sanitiser that contains at least 60 per cent alcohol
>> Don't allow children or pets inside sick person's room
>> Clean and disinfect door knobs, light switches, electronics, etc., daily

When to see a doctor

>> Trouble breathing
>> Persistent chest pain
>> Inability to stay awake
>> Confusion
>> Pale, grey or blue coloured skin, lips or nails