The High Authority of Health (HAS) publishes on April 13 its recommendations for “prevent deterioration in health“covid patients and”avoid emergency hospitalizations“.

A consultation to assess the risks

First point to remember: medical care must always take place, as soon as the diagnosis by PCR test falls. “Any positive patient“must therefore be directed to a general practitioner to perform”a face-to-face consultation or, failing that, a teleconsultationThe objective of this consultation is, according to the HAS, to:

• take stock of the patient’s state of health, in particular by checking the oxygen saturation of the blood,
• identify possible risk factors for a severe form of the disease,
• initiate care and set up monitoring adapted to their profile.

Regularly check oxygen saturation

Two cases are then possible. First situation: the patient presents risk factors of severe form of covid. Regular monitoring must then be put in place.

“A pulse oximeter may be prescribed for patients over 65 years of age, or with other risk factors for severe covid-19 or with respiratory signs.“warns the HAS. This device measures the oxygen saturation of the blood, ideally three times per 24 hours, after at least five minutes of rest and in an upright position.

A “oxygen saturation less than 95%“, but also “a shortness of breath, sweats or a discomfort“, are as many”criteria that must trigger a call to the SAMU – Center 15 by the patient, his entourage or the health professional“warns HAS.

Three warning signs in all patients

Second possibility: the patient is less than 65 years old and has no comorbidities. He must still be warned that his state of health may worsen. This deterioration usually occurs within 6 to 12 days of the onset of illness, although symptoms are few in the first 5 days. It is therefore in this time interval that we must be particularly vigilant.

What symptoms should alert? A chest pain, blue lips or a loss of consciousness are the three main warning signs, lists the HAS. In this case, the patient must contact the SAMU, by dialing 15.