Managing COVID-19 and Referral of Cases

A suspected case for COVID-19 is someone who:

1. Has symptoms of a respiratory disease,
2. has additional symptoms such as fever,
3. had respiratory illness and has been in contact with someone who has COVID-19,
4. has respiratory illness and other illness has been ruled out.

A probable case of COVID-19 is someone who:

1. Is a suspected case who had an inconclusive test,
2. has all the symptoms and lives somewhere where cases are common but no test is available,
3. is a suspected case but a test is not available.

The only way to confirm a case of COVID-19 is to have a test done. The person may or may not have any symptoms (remember that not all cases show symptoms) but they can still transmit the virus to those around them. If a case is confirmed it is important that that person isolate themselves for 14 days.

If you think someone may have COVID-19 in your community, you can take the following steps to support them:

1. Encourage them to isolate themselves to protect their family and the community,
2. if their symptoms are mild, simply isolating at home should be enough, being careful not to interact with others for 14 days,
3. if their symptoms are severe or they grow worse, contact the local health facility and discuss with them about what next steps are to be taken.

If someone has symptoms of COVID-19 you should encourage them to get tested. Refer them to the closest location where tests are available and remind them it is important to isolate themselves until they know the results of the test. They should also inform those with whom they have been in contact and encourage them to get tested.

Most people who get COVID-19 recover. However, if someone is seriously ill, it is important for them to be cared for at a health facility so their symptoms can be managed and they receive proper care.

Take these steps to manage mild COVID-19 symptoms:

• Take over the counter medicine💊 that addresses the symptoms,
• wash your hands with soap 🧼 frequently,
• remembering to cover you mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, 🤧
• stay isolated at home for 14 days unless medical care is needed.

Severe COVID-19🚨If you see any of these symptoms, the person should be taken to the nearest health facility immediately.

• Trouble breathing,
• high fever (over 102 F / 38.8 C),
• persistent pain or pressure in the chest,
• confusion or inability to be alert,
• bluish tint on lips or face,
• insufficient blood-flow to the body,
• general worsening of symptoms.

A referral system links COVID-19 patients to treatment centers or to other emergency systems, like ambulances. This can be done through emergency hotlines. Check with your closest health facility on the referral systems in place in your community, particularly for severe cases.

If you refer someone to the health facility, help them and their family understand what will happen. Let them know that:

• They may be isolated with other COVID-19 patients,
• all the health care providers will be wearing masks 😷 and other protective clothing when treating them,
• visitors may not be allowed so it is a good idea to have a way to communicate,
• it is important to share the names of people with whom you have had close contact to help with contact tracing and getting them tested.