If you have respiratory symptoms similar to a cold, you can use this simple guide. The goal is to visit doctors and hospitals only when needed. Because there is no special treatment for colds and there is no special treatment for colds in the hospital. But the hospital environment is considered a polluted environment and we may get new infections.
In case of initial chills and dry cough, regardless of whether or not you have a sore throat, act as follows:
1- Having chills and dry cough without shortness of breath:
– There is no need to go to the hospital. Rest at home and use supportive treatments such as pain relievers, or cold syrup and local herbal teas.
2- having chills and dry cough but without shortness of breath but accompanied by high fever:
– If you are among the group of people at risk * (see the bottom of the article), see a doctor.
– If you are not among the group of people at risk* (see the bottom of the article), there is no need to go to the hospital, rest at home and use supportive treatments.
3- Having chills and dry cough along with shortness of breath, which means you cannot do normal activities due to breathing problems:
– In this situation, regardless of fever, see a doctor.
* Groups at risk:
– Does the patient have primary immunodeficiency?
– Is the patient taking corticosteroids for a long time (more than 2 weeks continuously) for diseases such as rheumatism, etc.?
– Is the patient undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy?
– Is the patient going through organ transplant procedures?
– Is the patient being treated for acquired immunodeficiency (AIDS)?
– Does the patient have a cardiovascular problem?
– Does the patient have high blood pressure?
– Does the patient have diabetes?
– Does the patient have asthma and chronic bronchitis?
– Is the patient overweight?
– Is the patient pregnant?
– Is the patient older than 50 years?
– Has the patient had close contact with a respiratory patient who has tested positive for corona in the last few days or weeks?
Taken from the flowchart of the instructions of the National Committee for the diagnosis and treatment of the CoViD-19 disease at the levels of providing outpatient and inpatient services.
