A COVID-19 Follow Up Protocol Based on Short and Long Term Clinical Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Corona virus disease (COVID-19) represents a public health emergency of international concern, with continuously growing number of confirmed and re infected cases. Main body: Clinical sequels during early COVID-19 convalescence were common; it ranges from mild to moderate respiratory illness associated with pulmonary abnormalities; physical, mental and/or other clinical health outcomes. Older people, males and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, pregnancy and cancer more likely to develop serious complications and poor outcomes. Later on, Mucormycosis complications have been also reported in many hospitals. These complications are observed at short and long term follow up. Thus, a simple, well inferring easy to perform protocol needs to be in place to follow up COVID discharged patients. This review describes the outcomes/complication associated with COVID 19 and its contributory factors. In its context based on available literature and guidelines the review also proposes a post COVID follow up protocol at 7 days, 1 and 3 months after discharge. Conclusion: COVID-19 the global health issue is severely associated with pulmonary defects, a long quarantine period/hospitalization stay and a possible reactivation of the virus; potential pulmonary, physical and/or psychological outcomes may be anticipated in patients following discharge. Thus, a follow up protocol needs to be implemented at 1 week, 1 and 3 months respectively for the holistic wellbeing of the patient.