The second Covid-19 wave has been deadly, with an overwhelming number of over three lakh deaths recorded all over India.
According to the new study published in the journal, Influenza and Other Respiratory Virus, even in the absence of any evident symptoms like “trouble in breathing “ or “persistent pain or pressure in the chest”, it is extremely important for patients to regularly monitor their respiratory rate and blood oxygen saturation levels.
The study examined 1095 Covid patients, aged 18 and above, admitted to UW Medicine hospitals in Seattle or to Rush University Medical Centre in Chicago. It was observed that people with low blood oxygen saturation had a mortality risk 1.8 to 4.0 times greater than people admitted with normal oxygen levels. Also, the ones with fast and shallow breathing had a mortality risk of 1.9 to 3.2 times greater than patients admitted with normal respiratory rates.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that people infected with Coronavirus must seek immediate medical attention on the onset of symptoms. It is important to keep an eye on their respiration and blood oxygen saturation levels even if asymptomatic, failing which they may miss the window for timely treatment and recovery.