Amid the current public health situation in the country and spread of Omicron variant, the Ministry of Public Health has advised people with mild and moderate COVID-19 symptoms to isolate themselves and get tested.
“Most people infected with the Omicron variant experience mild or moderate symptoms of COVID-19 and do not need hospital care,” the Ministry stated in guide published online yesterday.
However, individuals with serious chronic conditions and above the age of 60 years are advised to seek help by calling the 16000 hotline and those with severe symptoms are advised to seek immediate medical attention. The guide has classified common symptoms associated with mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infection and outlined the action to be taken by individuals.
According to the guide, common symptoms for mild infection include low-grade fever, dry cough, sinus congestion or sinus pressure or runny nose, scratchy or sore throat, loss of taste or smell, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrohea, and fatigue.
The Ministry advised people with mild symptoms to isolate and avoid contact with family and other people, take Paracetamol to reduce symptoms, keep themselves hydrated and avoid staying in bed for prolonged periods.
It said, “Get tested if you wish.”
“Rapid Antigen Self-Test if positive, you may visit an approved medical facility for an official COVID-19 test to obtain a certificate and have your Ehteraz status changed or visit a medical center authorised to do COVID-19 testing,” said the Ministry.
Shortness of breath when moving with oxygen saturation more than or equal to 94% while breathing room air is included as a common symptoms for moderate COVID-19 infection. Other symptoms are high fever, deep cough, chills with repeated shaking, muscle pain, low back pain, fatigue and body aches.
Individuals with moderate symptoms are asked to isolate and avoid contact with family and other people, take paracetamol to reduce symptoms, keep yourself hydrated and avoid staying in bed for prolonged periods.
“If you are 60 or above or if you have serious chronic conditions like cancer, heart failure, immune-compromised or kidney failure, please call 16000 and ask for further guidance,” said the Ministry.
Individuals with moderate symptoms and tested positive with Rapid Antigen Self-Test also may get tested at an approved medical facility for an official COVID-19 test to obtain a certificate and have Ehteraz status changed.
Common symptoms for severe infection are classified as chest pain, bluish lips or face, confusion/unresponsiveness, extreme fatigue and body aches, or shortness of breath (even when not exerting yourself) with oxygen saturation less than 94% while breathing room air.
“Individuals with severe symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 should seek medical attention immediately. Either visit a primary health centre or call 999 if you experiencing life-threatening symptoms,” said the Ministry. To mention the Ministry has designated hospitals and allocated sufficient number of beds to treat COVID-19 patients including Hamad Medical Cooperation’s Communicable Disease Center (CDC), The Cuban Hospital and Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital.
The Al Wakra Pediatric COVID-19 Center, located on the Al Wakra Hospital campus, is the treatment facility for children with COVID-19 who require hospital admission.
