Covid-19 Care at Home

A pulse oximeter can help you manage mild cases of Covid-19 at home.

Pulse oximetry is a noninvasive and painless test that measures your oxygen saturation level, or the oxygen levels in your blood. It can rapidly detect even small changes in how efficiently oxygen is being carried to the extremities furthest from the heart, including the legs and the arms.

The pulse oximeter is a small, clip-like device that attaches to a body part, like toes or an earlobe. It’s most commonly put on a finger, and it’s often used in a critical care setting like emergency rooms or hospitals. Some doctors, such as pulmonologists, may use it in office.

Dr Sandhya Ramanathan, says people with respiratory illnesses including Covid-19 are at risk of “hypoxia” or low levels of oxygen saturation in the blood.

A pulse oximeter is an easy-to-use device that measures oxygen levels in the blood.

Oxygen saturation levels should be managed daily for the first 14 days of the illness. A normal range is 95-100 per cent. Medical intervention is needed if it drops below 93 per cent, or if people develop shortness of breath.

Available now at Lavelle’s Pharmacy