The rapidly spreading coronavirus has infected millions and taken the lives of thousands. People who rushed to doctors during emergencies and chronic aches are now reluctant to step outside of their houses, afraid of contracting the virus whilst being in the clinic or hospital. This especially applies to mothers who fear for their children.

According to BBC, a pregnant nurse who contracted the virus during patient treatment died of it but the child was saved. In another case reported, a newborn baby died within days, battling the respiratory tract infection in China. Same is the case with people with underlying health conditions. Because of the pre-existing issues and low immunity, the virus impacts them in a deadly manner. Families are fetching the medicine for the grandparents themselves and consulting the doctor via calls rather than taking them for their regular checkups.

No one wants to or should step out of the house unless it’s an absolute necessity. The UAE government has set a curfew and individuals cannot leave their houses between 8 pm to 6 am. Moreover, only one person can leave the house when permitted.

In the UAE, almost 6000 cases and 35 deaths have been recorded and the number in anticipated to multiply in the coming days.

During this trying time, it’s important to know how to deal with common medical issues and have some remedies up your sleeve in case an emergency arises:

1.      Dealing with tooth problems

We all know how awful a toothache can be. Whilst the tooth needs to be examined by a dentist, the pain can be relieved by drinking or gargling with peppermint tea. It will act as a numbing agent. Clove or clove oil can also come in handy. You can place it against the impacted tooth. To avoid potential injuries, stop having sugary foods which can cause irreplaceable tooth decay, avoid chewing on hard candy or ice which can chip the tooth and don’t use your teeth to cut/break things.

2.      Dealing with back pain

According to recent research by the insider, a large number of people are dealing with back pains around the world because due to the lockdown, they’re not getting enough exercise. Their back is stuck in one position throughout the day, which is causing the problem. Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity done even if it’s just brisk walking!

If you’re working from home, make sure to be seated with your back straight. Back pain can also be caused due to wrong sleeping positions. According to WebMD, Back sleepers should put pillows under their knees and side sleepers should place pillows between their knees to keep their spine in a neutral position. Stomach sleeping causes the neck and head to twist and can put undue stress on the back so it should be avoided.

3.      Dealing with headaches

The current chaotic situation is bound to cause headaches. However, there’s no headache that can’t be cured by adapting to the following tips:

·        Get an adequate amount of sleep. (7 to 9 hours). Nothing should come between you and your slumber. It’s that important.

·        Stay hydrated. Not only is it great for the skin, to ward off illnesses but drinking enough water throughout the day is a great way to avoid headaches.

·        Make a priority list and wake up fifteen minutes early to kick-start your day. Not only will you be more productive but you’ll spend less time worrying about pending tasks.

·        According to Healthline, drinking caffeinated coffee and tea is a good way to boost your mood and eliminate a nasty headache.

·        Meditate or do yoga. It’ll provide relief and relax your muscles, hence reducing the stress.

·        Take out some ‘me time’ in which you’re away from the worldly responsibilities and you’re just doing what you like. It could be a long bath or a book read – anything to calm your nerves.

·        Sip some ginger tea!

4.      Dealing with period pains

Ah, no matter what happens in the world, menstrual cycle pains will always be there. There’s nature way of telling us that we’re women and though because of the cycle, the beautiful miracle of birth exists, we can’t help but fret over the monthly cramps. Here are some ways to relieve period pain:

·        Diet is key. Avoid refined foods such as sugar, bread, and pasta. Eat more calcium-rich foods, almonds, and leafy greens. It’s fine to give in to cravings once in a while.

·        Sip chamomile tea. It is full of anti-inflammatory substances and it can help get rid of period time nausea, diarrhea, and cramps.

·        Apply a heating pad or hot water bottle to your lower abdomen. If you don’t have these at hand, hop into a relaxing hot shower.

·        Exercise your core and have your partner massage you to sleep. In these days, you deserve all the special treatment you can get!

5.      Dealing with ear pains

Muffed hearing, pain in the ear, dizziness, ringing in the ear- we all know how horrid ear pains can get. Till a doctor can get that ear checked, here is what you can do:

·        Have a pain killer to temporarily numb the pain.

·        Compress heat pads on the side of your ear.

·        Sleep without putting pressure on the ear.

·        Distract yourself and have some ginger juice.

6.      Dealing with muscle strains

Common in children these days due to running around the house, parents should definitely know what to do, if the child gets bruised, complains of joint pain, or reports swelling. Remove the clothing from that area and apply ice for twenty minutes and elevate the area so that the swelling decreases. Pain killers can also be given.

It should be noted that though these are tried and tested methods, if the pain worsens over time or you do not see any betterment, book an appointment with a specialist to rule out the possibilities of complications.

Recommended read: How to Deal with a Medical Emergency at Home