Guidelines for UNANI Practitioners for COVID-19 Patients in Home Isolation

Preamble

The COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as a public health challenge. The burden of the disease and mortality are steadily increasing in many parts of the globe. Several social and economic factors are leading to devastating situations. Effective management to address this infection is still evolving and attempts are being made to integrate traditional interventions along with standard care.

Home isolation is applicable to confirmed COVID-19 cases which are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, or to people who had a contact with suspected cases of the disease.

General Disclaimer

• Patients need to have a general consultation from a qualified physician before starting any intervention.
• In all severe cases, immediate referral to a higher medical centre as per the Government guidelines is advised.
• Patients with co-morbidities like hypertension, diabetes etc., are advised to continue their respective medications.
• Physicians are free to select drugs as per their own discretion/ availability.
• Use of drugs in vulnerable population is at the prudence of the consulting physician.
• Doses for children should be adjusted according to their age.

Management Guidelines for COVID-19 Patients in Home-Isolation

The common clinical features observed in mild COVID-19 cases include sore throat, mild fever, body-ache, nasal congestion, and dry cough. Although a variety of symptoms are being reported, many cases are asymptomatic and some uncommon clinical manifestations include loss of smell and taste as well.

Some of the asymptomatic cases can be in the pre-symptomatic stage. Considering this possibility, the patient should observe evolving symptoms or signs. This watchfulness should not lead to undue anxiety. 

General guidelines

1. Patients should follow physical distancing, respiratory and hand hygiene, and wear masks.
2. Steam inhalation and use of warm water at frequent intervals.
3. Avoid use of cold water and exposure to cold air (7),
4. Adequate sleep (7-8 hours) should be takenand day time sleep especially after lunch may be avoided (7)
5. Fumigation of patient’s room with Sandal (Santalum album) and Kafoor (Cinnamomum camphora). (8)
6. Keep the scalp covered (7)
7. Avoid physical exertion (7)
8. Gharghara (gargle) with lukewarm water/ 10-20 gm of pulp of Khayar shamber (Cassia fistula) boiled in 100 ml of water(1,10,11)

Dietary guidelines

1. Avoidance from sour diets (7)
2. Use of Kalonji (Nigella seeds), Lahsun (Garlic), Adrak (Ginger), Amla (Indian Gooseberry), Haldi (Turmeric) in sufficient quantity.
3. Prefer easily digestible diet
4. Oral intake of Maushaeer(Barley water)(9)
5. Take adequate oral fluids like hot soups/ hot tea

Source : Ministry of AYUSH