Govt Advises Covid Patients to Avoid Steroids, Says 'Go for TB Test If Cough Persists for Over 2-3 Weeks' - News18

“If cough persists for more than two-three weeks, one should opt for investigation for tuberculosis and other conditions," the revised guidelines read and recommended emergency use authorization (EUA) or off-label use of remdesivir in patients with “moderate to severe" disease and those with no renal or hepatic dysfunction within 10 days of the onset of any symptom.

The guidelines states that coronavirus patients have been classified into those affected by mild, moderate and severe disease.

Injection methylprednisolone 0.5 to one mg/kg in two divided doses, or an equivalent dose of dexamethasone, can be given usually for a duration of five to 10 days in moderate cases, the guidelines stated.

“Inhalational budesonide (given via metered dose inhaler/dry powder inhaler) at a dose of 800 mcg BD for five days can be given in mild cases if symptoms (fever and/or cough) are persistent beyond five days of disease onset," it was stated in the guidelines.

Respiratory rate over 30 per minute, breathlessness or SpO2 lower than 90 per cent on room air should be considered as severe disease and such patients have to admitted to an ICU as they will need respiratory support, the guidelines said, adding that such patients should be put on respiratory support.