Oxygen is one of the crucial things used in the treatment of COVID-19. As the novel coronavirus mainly affects the respiratory system of the patients, their oxygen levels are dropped when the condition becomes worse. The rising COVID-19 cases across the country are leading to a shortage of oxygen.

A pulse oximeter measures oxygen saturation levels. Hence, this device is one of the most essential things in the COVID isolation kit. All COVID positive patients are advised to keep it with them to monitor oxygen saturation levels from time to time.

In this context, there are a few things to know about oxygen saturation levels and when a person would require oxygen or when one would need to admit to a hospital.

AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria explains as follows:

• Ideally, the oxygen saturation levels should be above 95. However, the oxygen dissociation curve is flat once the oxygen saturation level is above 90, even though it may vary from 92 to 98.
• Any individual whose oxygen saturation level is above 95 need not take oxygen. But, if it is less than 94, then the patient should be closely monitored. However, not all patients require oxygen if the oxygen saturation level is maintained constantly and the person is healthy.
• If a patient’s oxygen starts dropping below 92, then the person needs immediate medical attention.

Many people are keeping oxygen cylinders to meet medical emergency. But, it affects the treatment of patients who actually need oxygen therapy for the long term.

In this context, patients are advised to take a six-minute walk test to check their health status.

Those who have tested positive for COVID-19 have to check their oxygen saturation levels before taking the test. Then, they have to walk for six minutes without a pause on an even surface. After that, again, they have to check their oxygen levels. They are considered healthy if their oxygen levels do not drop.

Image by Shafin Al Asad Protic from Pixabay (Free for commercial use)

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