WHO recommends that patients with COVID-19 – both confirmed and suspected – should have access to follow-up care if they have persistent, new or changing symptoms.
This is one of the recommendations that WHO gives in revised clinical management guidelines.
Evidence has been gathered about the COVID condition, the so-called ‘long COVID’, where people who have recovered from COVID-19 continue to have prolonged problems, such as extreme fatigue, persistent cough and intolerance.
Understanding this situation is one of the WTO’s priority areas. In February 2021, WHO will hold a series of consultations to reach consensus on a description of this condition, the subtypes and definitions of cases. This scientific understanding will inform the name of the condition. The consultations will include a wide range of stakeholders, including patient groups.
For COVID-19 patients at home, WHO recommends that pulse oximetry be used to measure oxygen levels in the blood. It should be coordinated with other aspects of home care, such as education for the patient and provider and regular follow-up of the patient.
For patients admitted to hospital, WHO recommends the use of low dose anticoagulants to prevent the blood clots in blood vessels (thrombosis).
For patients admitted to hospital who use supplemental oxygen (including high-flow nasal oxygen) or non-invasive ventilation, WHO recommends that patients be positioned on their stomach to increase oxygen flow (awake position).
The guidelines also include recommendations on the use of care bundles to systematize care care for COVID-19 patients, as well as a recommendation to favor clinical judgment on models to make decisions for the patient.
The recommendations were made by an independent panel of experts, the Guideline Development Group, based on detailed quick reviews of all available evidence.
The guidelines are a live document that is updated regularly as more data becomes available.