Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 12) — The Department of Health on Monday gave some tips to mild COVID-19 patients as some cases report a rapid escalation of symptoms.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire advised patients with mild, flu-like symptoms who are on home quarantine to immediately seek medical help via telemedicine as hospitals can no longer accommodate non-severe COVID-19 cases.
“It starts with a mild disease. Halimbawa sa COVID-19, mauuna yan maglalagnat ka, sipon, ubo [For COVID-19, you will experience fever, colds, cough]. Ang pinakamabuting ginagawa [the best thing to do], as soon as you experience symptoms — of course you have to isolate — make use of the telemedicine providers so doctors are guiding you on what you’re supposed to do,” the official said in a media briefing.
The DOH also urged patients to prepare a pulse oximeter — a small clamp-like device painlessly attached to the finger — to constantly monitor the amount of oxygen in their blood.
“It is also handy na meron tayong pulse oximeter doon sa bahay natin… Sinasabi ng ating mga eksperto na kapag ang oxygen level is below 90 already, you need to seek consultation in a higher-level facility katulad ng ospital,” she added.
[Translation: It is handy for us to have a pulse oximeter at home. Experts say when the oxygen level is below 90, you need to seek consultation in a higher-level facility like a hospital.]
