Those who tested positive and had mild symptoms should isolate themselves with an unshared room and bathroom, wear gloves and a mask
There are many people who, although not presenting the symptoms of the disease, are positive for diagnostic and screening tests and who for precautionary reasons, are forced by the health authorities to ‘stay at home’, that is to stay in the house in “quarantine” for at least two weeks. For the Ministry of Health “it is a period of isolation and observation of varying duration to which people who may carry germs responsible for infectious diseases are subjected”. Unlike the ancient quarantine, referred to 40 days, the period of ‘separation’ from the population in the case of coronavirus is limited to about two weeks. “Today, the time indicated for the quarantine has been reduced – confirms the Ministry of Health – and varies according to the various infectious diseases, in particular in relation to the incubation period identified for that infectious disease. For coronavirus, the quarantine measure, with active surveillance, was set at fourteen days, and applies to individuals who have had close contact with confirmed cases of COVID-19 diffusive infectious disease. ” The measure is supported by the World Health Organization to prevent the further spread of the epidemic.
To this forced stand-by from everyday life, many ordinary citizens have had to submit, without exception. The testimony of Enpam, the national body for the provision and assistance of doctors and dentists, is singular about the doctors, who are also forced “at home alone or with the mask worn, where time flows inexorably slow”.
In the case of home isolation, provided by the health authorities, it is advisable to follow the most common hygiene practices. The house must be suitable, possibly in a single room and personal bathroom, with the use of gloves and masks when leaving the room. It is advisable to wash your hands often, with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Alternatively, a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer can also be used. Close contact with other people should also be avoided by staying at an adequate distance to avoid saliva droplets. The World Health Organization recommends wearing a mask only if you suspect you have contracted the new coronavirus, if symptoms such as coughing or sneezing are present, or if you are taking care of a person with suspected new coronavirus infection.
Absolute precaution in taking medications, especially antivirals and antibiotics, to be used only with precise indications from the doctor. For the Ministry of Health, «at present there is no evidence that the use of drugs prevents infection with new coronavirus. Antibiotics don’t work against viruses, but only against bacteria. SARS-CoV-2 is a virus and therefore antibiotics are not used as a means of prevention or treatment, unless bacterial co-infections occur ».
