The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health has recently updated details regarding home isolation for COVID-19 patients (F0) and provided guidelines for treatment prescriptions.
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health has issued an updated version of the home healthcare package for F0 patients (version 1.2). This guideline applies to individuals newly diagnosed with COVID-19 in the community who meet the criteria for home isolation as per regulations.
Conditions for Home Isolation of F0 Patients
Health Conditions
F0 patients should be asymptomatic or exhibit mild symptoms (no respiratory distress, SpO2 ≥ 96%, normal breathing rate).
F0 patients must be capable of self-care, have access to a continuous SpO2 monitor, and be able to communicate with healthcare staff for monitoring and emergency situations.
For children, elderly individuals, or those with underlying health conditions who are unable to care for themselves, assistance and care from a caregiver is required during home isolation.
Facility Requirements
F0 patients must have a private room. The room should have proper ventilation, a private bathroom, a dedicated phone line, and readily available contact numbers for healthcare facilities and the rapid response team in their district or locality.
The isolation room should have a table or chair placed outside the door for receiving meals and necessary personal items; a personal trash bin with a lid and accompanying trash bags.
Hand sanitizer and surface disinfectant, mouthwash or saline solution (0.9%), medical masks, and a thermometer should be available.
An F0 showing signs of deterioration, being examined by emergency staff at home. (Photo: Duy Hiệu).
Healthcare Activities for F0 Patients at Home
Prescription Guidelines
Home treatment medications include: antipyretics, immune boosters (vitamins, trace elements, traditional medicine), antiviral drugs, and corticosteroids for inflammation, as well as oral anticoagulants in certain indicated situations (specific instructions for antiviral medications will be provided according to the Ministry of Health’s guidelines).
F0 patients in home isolation can use medications prescribed by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health. (Illustrative photo: Hoàng Giám).
Indications for the use of corticosteroids and oral anticoagulants: Patients exhibiting early symptoms of respiratory distress (feeling short of breath and/or a respiratory rate > 20 breaths/minute and/or SpO2 below normal).
Corticosteroids that can be used include:
- Dexamethasone: Dosage: adults 6 mg once daily, taken after meals (preferably in the morning).
If Dexamethasone is unavailable, one of the following alternatives may be used:
- Prednisolone: Dosage: adults 40 mg once daily, taken after meals (preferably in the morning).
- Or Methylprednisolone: Dosage: adults 16 mg twice daily, taken 12 hours apart after meals (morning and evening). Note: Individuals with stomach issues should take it alongside stomach medication. If there is a good response, the maximum duration of use is 7 days.
Oral anticoagulants that may be used include:
- Rivaroxaban: Dosage: 10 mg, taken once daily.
- Or Apixaban: Dosage: 25 mg, taken twice daily.
- Or Dabigatran: Dosage: 220 mg, taken once daily. Note: Maximum duration of use is 7 days; only for individuals over 18 years old and with caution for those over 80 years old.
Contraindicated for pregnant and breastfeeding women, individuals with liver or kidney failure, those with a history of gastrointestinal or urinary bleeding, and those with bleeding disorders. Patients should monitor for signs of bleeding (such as skin bruising, gum bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, etc.).
Dexamethasone prescribed for F0 patients receiving home treatment. (Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health).
Self-Care Guidelines for F0 Patients
- Wear a mask regularly, except when eating or personal hygiene; change the mask twice daily or as needed, and sanitize hands with alcohol before removing the mask.
- Regularly sanitize hands, disinfect surfaces and contact items such as tables, door handles, toilets, sinks, etc. Monitor body temperature and SpO2 (if available) at least twice daily, or whenever feeling feverish or short of breath. Report health status at least once daily or when symptomatic through the “Electronic Health Declaration” app.
- Consume a balanced diet and drink plenty of water. Engage in light exercise and breathing exercises for at least 15 minutes each day.
- Have the contact number of healthcare staff available for consultation and support (Hotline “1022”, contact number for the rapid response team in the ward, commune, town, district, or Thu Duc City).
- All household members living with the F0 patient must report their health via the “Electronic Health Declaration” app at least once daily or as needed.
When to Seek Emergency Support for F0 Patients?
If F0 patients experience any of the following symptoms: fever over 38 degrees Celsius, cough, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, they should contact healthcare staff via the hotline “1022” (press 3 for consultation from the Ho Chi Minh City Medical Association or press 4 for consultation from “Companion Doctors”).
F0 patients showing signs of deterioration, such as difficulty breathing indicated by shortness of breath, a respiratory rate over 30 breaths per minute, lethargy, cyanosis, or SpO2 below normal should seek immediate medical attention.
