If You Have Tested Positive To COVID-19
CBD Doctors Melbourne provides Tele and Video Consultations related to COVID-19 infections.
There have been some positive signs in recent days that Victoria’s second wave may be slowing. Sadly, the death rate is increasing although new COVID-19 cases are slow reducing.
Some people get very sick and need to be hospitalised. Many of whom would end up in intensive care on high flow oxygen or a ventilator.
The majority of patients will recover and may not need to be admitted to a hospital. They can be managed at home.
At CBD Doctors Melbourne we provide care to patients who are referred to us from Public Hospitals, the Primary Health Network or the Department of Health and Human Services.
As these people are in strict isolation at home, we provide care via tele and video facilitated consultations. There are strict guidelines when to provide medication, extra care, when to speak with specialists and when to refer to a hospital
We monitor their symptoms: fever and chills, shortness of breath, sleep, lethargy, signs of deterioration. One of the main concern is shortness of breath which may not be present for a long time and accompanied by other symptoms, this can be sign of deterioration.
Apart from these physical symptoms, people are also lonely, isolated, scared, anxious and may be depressed.
Skin condition like dermatitis and acne related to wearing masks are also seen frequently.
HOUSEHOLDS
How does the COVID-19 virus spread?
COVID-19 spreads to others primarily in two ways:
- Infectious droplets released when an infected person breaths, talks, cough or sneezes
- Touching a surface contaminated with these droplets, and then touches their mouth, nose, eyes or food.
Some evidence suggests that the virus can spread via particles that linger in air.
Living in close contact with someone with COVID-19 means thinking about ways to prevent each of these modes of transmission.
ISOLATION AND VENTILATION
Ideally, the COVID-19 infected person should have their own room and bathroom to minimise contact with others. If a dedicated room isn’t available, they should maintain as much distance as possible from other members of the household.
Higher risk people such as elderly family members or people with compromised immune should keep their distance from the infected person.
The better the ventilation, the lower the risk of transmission. Open windows to allow air flow.
INFECTED PERSON AND INTERACTION
Good hygiene should be practised by everyone especially the COVID-19 infected person.
The COVID-19 infected person should wear a mask as much as possible to reduce the risk of transmission. Caregivers should also wear a mask and gloves.
Anything the COVID-19 infected person has been in contact should be disposed off if possible. The bin should have a lid and be lined. Carefully dispose of the items or if you are moving them try not spread the particles.
If the items aren’t disposable, wear gloves handling the items, wash them in hot water and detergent or put in through a hot cycle in the dishwasher.
Items that can’t be washed should be wiped down with disinfectant. Any shared surfaces should be frequently disinfected.
Avoid sharing linen, mobile phones and any other items.
If the bathroom or any room is shared, the COVID-19 positive person should disinfect the room if they are well enough to do so.
Other things to keep in mind are food and fluids. The COVID-19 infected person should stay well hydrated, this important when a person has a fever to replace lost fluids. Also get plenty of rest.
Finally members of the household should keep an eye out for, and get tested if they develop any COVID-19 symptoms, such as cough or fever.
If you have any questions or need any help, please call CBD Doctors Melbourne on (03) 9077 9912, or book an appointment.