What should a person do after recovering from COVID-19?

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 COVID-19 has infected millions of people all over the world. The spread of the viral disease has become a global health crisis that led to the disruption of economies, industries, and societies. Dr. Mark Hochberg MD, a specialist in respiratory health, explains what patients should do next after recovering from the novel coronavirus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person has recovered from the virus when they no longer experience fever without the help of fever-reducing medication for 72 hours. There should also be significant improvements in symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath for seven full days before being diagnosed. Dr. Mark Hochberg MD says that a person must have two consecutive negative swab tests to ensure their recovery.

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In other countries, those who have recovered are still advised to be on self-isolation for the next 14 days. Even if they are no longer experiencing symptoms, those who are considered mild cases are encouraged to work from home as much as possible, says Dr. Mark Hochberg MD. This is to ensure that they are no longer infectious while allowing their immune system to recover quicker.

Those who have recovered from COVID-19 should exercise caution as there are people who were re-infected. Instead of going back to the office, to the workplace, or the frontlines, medical professionals such as Dr. Mark Hochberg MD advise patients to prioritize their health first. Though the symptoms are no longer evident, and they have been cleared of the virus, they must give themselves more time to be at a hundred percent physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Important reminders on how to avoid lung disease

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Dr. Mark Hochberg MD believes that in today’s world, one that is slowly being ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic, taking care of one’s lungs is one of the most important things a person can do.

As a guide, here are a few things that people can do to protect their respiratory system and prevent lung disease.

Stop smoking or stay away from smokers.

One of the most effective ways to protect one’s lungs is to simply not smoke cigarettes. For non-smokers, it’s important to stay away from people who smoke. First or second-hand smoke can be very damaging to the lungs because of all the harmful substances found in it. Smoking also reduces the lung capacity significantly and prevents the lungs from clearing toxic elements.

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Manage alcohol consumption.

Studies show that minimal alcohol consumption is good for the body. However, it was also found that drinking too much alcohol weakens a person’s immune system and in association, one’s heart and lungs.

Breathe in steam.

While breathing exercises are a great way to keep the lungs healthy and avoid respiratory problems, breathing in steam takes things one step further by moistening the pathways and relaxing the lungs, explains Dr. Mark Hochberg MD.