Covid Response

This page contains resources and information related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each resource is time - stamped. Given the rapid evolution of scientific understanding & evidence base we advise checking latest information. This information is meant to be educational is nature and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

COVID-19 Prevention and Care

Using home rapid antigen tests

Home rapid antigen test kits are available online and in pharmacies in India. Click here to learn how to use and interpret these tests to determine isolation period.

Taking care of mild and asymptomatic COVID-19 at home

Mild cases of COVID-19 can be managed at home. Click here to learn how to manage

Notes on Public Health response to COVID-19

Compendium of pandemic response actions & principles.

How to use rapid home antigen tests for determining isolation period for COVID

Some practical steps that can be followed for determining isolation period for COVID-19

This assumes that home rapid antigen test kits are available.

When to use a home rapid antigen test?

Any COVID symptoms (cough, cold, stomach symptoms, fever, breathing difficulty, excessive body ache or fatigue etc.)
In case of contact with a COVID positive person
Anyone who has initially tested positive on any COVID test (either on RTPCR or home rapid antigen test)

For guidance on home care for mild and asymptomatic COVID patients at home - CLICK HERE

Three possible scenarios:

Person has symptoms and COVID test is positive

Isolate and then repeat home rapid test on Day 6 of symptoms
If rapid test is negative and symptoms resolve then isolation can end
If rapid test is positive on Day 6 then continue isolating till rapid test is negative

Person has symptoms but COVID test negative

Isolate and redo the home rapid test on Day 6 of symptoms
If rapid test is again negative and symptoms resolve then isolation can end
If rapid test is positive then continue isolating till it is negative
If symptoms are concerning & rapid test is repeatedly negative then consider RTPCR

Person does not have any symptoms but COVID test is positive

Isolate and redo the rapid test on Day 6. If negative end isolation.
If rapid test turns positive – continue isolation till it is negative

Important

DO NOT use RTPCR test to end isolation. RTPCR often continues to remain positive for a long time even after infection has resolved. RTPCR is only useful for diagnosing COVID not for determining when to end isolation.
If you do not have home rapid antigen test kit then it is best to isolate for 10 days from start of symptoms or date of initial positive test result - whichever is earlier.
Anyone who tested positive at any point and ends isolation before 12 days should continue diligent masking and limit interactions with others till day 12
Even a faint double line on the home rapid antigen test is a positive test. Please read the test result within the time window given in instruction leaflet. Do not rush.
Read instructions for your test kit carefully before using. Instructions vary for each brand.
The instruction leaflet with the test kit clearly indicates how to interpret test result on your own without needing external help.
List of ICMR approved home rapid test kits with links to videos on how to use (test kits are available for purchase online and in stores) – https://www.icmr.gov.in/pdf/covid/kits/COVID_Home_Test_Kit_23112021.pdf
Disclaimer – This tip sheet is meant to be educational & suggestive and is not a substitute for medical advice. The isolation guidelines in your country, state or institution may vary from this. Please follow what is locally advisable.
We regret that this guidance is currently available only in English. If anyone wishes to translate this into their local languages please get in touch with us. Thanks.

Credits. Dr. Sonali Vaid, Dr. Ankur Sooden, Dr. CS Pramesh, Dr. Shivangi Shankar
Last Updated. 5th Jan 2022
Please email incluvelabs@gmail.com for any feedback or questions

Home care for mild and asymptomatic COVID-19 cases

Some practical steps that can be followed for mild and asymptomatic COVID-19 cases.

This assumes that home rapid antigen test kits are available and RTPCR is either unavailable or RTPCR results are taking too long (e.g. in remote areas or when lab capacities are overwhelmed during a surge)

This is not a substitute for medical advice. Please do NOT self-medicate.

Symptoms of COVID can be any of the following
cough, cold, sore throat, stomach issues, diarrhoea, fever, breathing difficulty, excessive fatigue, body ache
If anyone reports any of the above symptoms – suspect COVID
Reassure them & tell them to immediately isolate
Anyone who shares room/house or has frequent contact with person is also suspect for COVID
Use video phone call / send video links to help the person to conduct home rapid antigen test on their own.
Even a very faint double line on the test means patient is positive & infectious
If person has any symptoms they have to isolate (irrespective of test result)
Food, water and other essentials to be kept outside the room
Encourage fresh air, sunlight and open windows if possible.
Ensure person has pulse oximeter and thermometer for monitoring
The single most important thing is to MONITOR OXYGEN levels using pulse oximeter.
If patient has diabetes they should have glucometer to monitor blood glucose
If patient has additional risk factors - >60 or <18, immunocompromised, pregnant, child, obesity, heart / lung / kidney disease, diabetes etc. Please consult a physician.
Medicines as per symptoms (always ask “do you have any allergies” before giving any medicines
Fever – Paracetamol (Adults can take 4-5 tablets in 24 hours)
Paracetamol is safe (even up to a total dose of 4 gms a day for adults if no liver issue)
Cold, cough – Cetrizine or Allegra + advise salt water gargle
Body ache, headache – Ibuprofen
Stomach gas, acidity – Pantoprazole
Diarrhoea – Plenty of ORS and fluids
Advise adequate fluid intake (urine colour should be light)
Patient can move around in their room if they have energy.
They should try to lie/sleep on stomach or side and not flat on back.
Other medicines like doxycycline, ivermectin, azithromycin, fabiflu are useless & potentially harmful for COVID.
Duration of isolation - minimum 5 days. Repeat home rapid antigen test on 6th day.
If symptoms resolve AND rapid test is negative by 6th day – isolation can end but person should limit interaction and be rigorous in masking for 5 more days
If rapid test is positive – continue isolation till rapid test is negative & symptoms resolve.
If oxygen falls below 94% seek medical advice for oxygen, steroids & other medicines.
If hospital bed is available do NOT keep patients who need oxygen at home.
If any unvaccinated or single dose vaccinated person gets COVID – be extra vigilant
Note - Ideally only those who have had two shots of vaccine and have no co-morbidities should be assigned any tasks that may require contact with COVID patients or suspected cases.

Medicines and Equipment to keep handy

Pulse Oximeter
Thermometer
BP machine
Paracetamol
Cetrizine or Allergra
Ibuprofen
Pantoprazole
ORS
Budesonide inhaler (only use under medical advice)
N95 masks

Contacts – keep the following phone numbers handy

Local Doctor – GP / family medicine / internal medicine
Paediatrician (if anyone less than 18 at home)
Obstetrician (for anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding)
Ambulance with oxygen support
Hospitals
24 hour pharmacy

Disclaimer

This tip sheet is meant to be educational & suggestive and is not a substitute for medical advice.

The home care guidelines in your country, state or institution may vary from this.

Please follow what is locally advisable.

We regret that this guidance is currently available only in English. If anyone wishes to translate this into their local languages please get in touch with us. Thanks.

Credits. Dr. Sonali Vaid, Dr. Ankur Sooden, Dr. Shivangi Shankar

Last Updated. 5th Jan 2022

For any feedback or questions please email incluvelabs@gmail.com