Recovery process after COVID-19 infection
The post-COVID-19 recovery process in some cases can be varied, complex, and prolonged. If you tested positive for COVID-19 and your symptoms are mild, you can likely recover from COVID-19 at home without medical care. Be sure to take care of yourself, following these recommendations:
- Rest: Extra rest is crucial for your body to fight off the virus. Aim for more sleep than you typically allow yourself, if needed.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to avoid dehydration. This is especially important if you have symptoms like fever, diarrhea, or vomiting.
- Healthy food: Eat nutritious foods when you have an appetite. Choose fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to give your body the vitamins and minerals it needs to heal.
- Medication: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage symptoms like fever and aches. Always follow instructions from your healthcare provider or medical professional before taking any medications.
- Monitor your breathing: If you have shortness of breath, consult a healthcare professional. There are breathing exercises that can help improve your oxygen intake.
At-home COVID-19 recovery monitoring
Patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 may be supported from home by a team of Penn Medicine doctors and nurses using two remote monitoring programs. These remote monitoring programs are used by patients with the virus who are well enough to recover from home after they’ve been discharged from Penn Medicine emergency departments and hospitals, as well as patients who are confirmed or likely to have COVID-19 but not sick enough to need hospitalization.
- COVID Watch is an automated text messaging system that provides 24/7 clinical feedback and support. Patients enrolled in the program receive check-in messages every morning and afternoon. At any time, patients can also text the word “worse” to receive a call from a Penn Medicine clinician within one hour.
COVID Pulse is a program that allows patients to monitor their oxygen levels at home with a pulse oximeter device, also known as a “pulse ox.” This device measures oxygen levels to help Penn Medicine clinicians know how much oxygen is in the patient’s blood.
Post-COVID recovery and rehabilitative support at Penn Medicine
Some patients who have recovered from COVID-19 continue to have difficulties in physical, emotional, and cognitive functioning. Patients have reported having numerous ongoing health effects and an overall worsened quality of life. These issues may include weakness, fatigue, joint and muscle pain, memory issues, emotional and psychological issues, and general difficulty performing usual tasks. Given the novelty of COVID-19, the exact nature of these ongoing health effects remains uncertain.
To address these issues, Penn Medicine offers multidisciplinary care to treat patients experiencing post-COVID-19 issues in a coordinated manner. The goal of our program is to provide consultation, direct care as needed, and ongoing care through primary care offices for patients who have lingering physical, cognitive, or behavioral symptoms.
Our goal is to evaluate each patient individually and provide a customized care plan:
- A rehab case manager can be assigned as a personal navigator for patients as required.
- Patients will be evaluated initially by our physical therapy and occupational therapy team.
- Based upon evaluation, screening tools, and outcome measures, patients may be referred to additional resources such as our neuropsychology practice (ages 12 and up), behavioral health, or other providers.
- For patients identified with high complexity, complications, or impaired progress, the team will recommend referral to an appropriate doctor for medical oversight including collaboration and referrals to cardiology or pulmonology services as needed.
If you are experiencing health issues following a COVID-19 infection, please contact your primary care provider.