CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) TREATMENT GUIDELINES

The guidance is based on proper case management aspects intended for clinicians involved in the care of patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. It is not meant to replace clinical judgment or specialist consultation but rather to strengthen frontline clinical management and the public health response.

Mechanical Ventilation COVID-19

Severe COVID-19 commonly progresses to acute hypoxemic respiratory failure and may evolve into Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome due to diffuse alveolar damage, pulmonary edema, inflammatory infiltrates, and ventilation-perfusion mismatch.

Investigations COVID-19

Appropriate investigations in COVID-19 serve four major purposes: confirming the diagnosis, identifying differential diagnoses and potential co-infections, assessing disease severity and related complications, and monitoring progression as well as response to treatment.

Physiotherapy guide in management of COVID 19 patients

COVID-19 frequently produces viral pneumonitis progressing to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, characterized by decreased lung compliance, impaired gas exchange, and severe fatigue after recovery. Early and targeted physiotherapy therefore significantly improves outcomes.

Self-Proning

Awake self-proning is a non-invasive respiratory support strategy used in patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure due to COVID-19 pneumonia. The technique involves positioning a conscious, spontaneously breathing patient on the abdomen to improve gas exchange and potentially avoid intubation.

Role of Nutrition in COVID-19

Adequate and appropriate nutrition is required for all cells to function optimally and this includes the cells in the immune system. The immune system’s demands for energy and nutrients that can be met from exogenous sources particularly the diet.