The sore throat won't quit, you have chills and a cough and a fever. Like countless others across the nation, you have become a COVID-19 omicron variant patient. You know what to do: Stay home.
But what will you need at home while you're sick? And how will you know whether you're sick enough to have someone get you to the hospital?
The Enquirer asked several Cincinnati area doctors who have been treating hundreds of patients with COVID-19 for their recommendations.
Here's who we asked:
- Dr. Thomas Lamarre, infectious disease specialist at the Christ Hospital Health Network.
- Dr. Mary Carol Burkhardt, associate division director for primary care at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and medical director of the Hopple Street Health Center.
- Dr. Imran Naqvi, vice president of medical affairs at the Jewish Hospital – Mercy Health.
- Dr. Barry Wendt, an internist at St. Elizabeth Healthcare.
Here's what we asked and what they said.
Should I have a pulse oximeter?
These devices are placed on a finger for oxygen level readings. The doctors we asked about them had varying responses about their necessity.
Lamarre: "Monitoring your oxygen level is a very important part of managing COVID-19 at home. Using a home pulse oximetry device is strongly recommended, If you do not have one, your physician a provider will likely be able to assist you. Normal home oxygen level should be above 94% (at rest). If levels are below this you should promptly call your position of provider."
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