In the public perception, post-infection rehabilitation appears to be largely dependent on the role of drugs, and the notion that “home care is not important for the recovery of infection, but mainly drugs” is deeply rooted. However, this is a serious area of error, and home-based care plays an essential and critical role in the recovery of infection.
While there is an irreplaceable role for drugs in treating infection, they can directly target pathogens by inhibiting or killing them, mitigating symptoms and reducing physical discomfort. For example, antibiotics can be effective against bacterial infections, and antivirals can inhibit the reproduction of viruses to some extent. However, the drug is not a panacea, it is only a “frontguard” on the path to rehabilitation, while home care is the successor “logistics support force” that continues to contribute to the full recovery of the body.
Home care covers many important aspects, beginning with adequate rest. When the body is infected, it is as if it has been subjected to a “war” in which organs and systems are exhausted. Adequate rest allows the body to concentrate on self-repair. During sleep, the body initiates a series of self-regulating mechanisms, the immune system is strengthened and damaged tissue cells are repaired and regenerated. If rest is neglected, overworked and body energy is consumed in daily activities rather than repair, the process of recovery from infection will be considerably delayed and may even lead to a recurrence.
A reasonable diet is also an important part of home care. During the period of infection recovery, the body needs adequate nutrition to supplement consumption and enhance immunity. Protein-rich foods, such as skinny meat, fish, beans, etc., contribute to body synthesis of antibodies and repair of damaged tissues; fresh vegetables and fruits provide abundant vitamins, minerals and dietary fibres, which are involved in physical metabolism, antioxidation defences and the maintenance of intestinal health. It is difficult to return to optimal state if the body is not equipped with the necessary “materials” for repair and reconstruction by relying solely on drugs rather than on dietary nutrition.
Good living conditions also have a positive impact on the rehabilitation of infections. Maintaining indoor air flow can effectively reduce the concentration of pathogens in the room and reduce the risk of re-infection. Appropriate temperatures and humidity can make patients comfortable and reduce respiratory disorders. For example, in a dry environment, the respiratory mucous membrane is vulnerable to damage, while wet air helps to maintain the moist and integrity of the mucous membrane, thereby enhancing the respiratory defence capacity.
Psychological care should also not be overlooked in the family. Patients who are infected may suffer from ill health, anxiety, depression, etc. The care, support and encouragement of family members can provide strong psychological support to patients. A positive psychological state helps to promote the body’s endocrine balance and enhances immunity. On the contrary, if the patient is chronically in a negative mood, it inhibits the functioning of the immune system and is not conducive to rehabilitation.
In addition, disease surveillance in home care is an important component. Family members can closely observe patients ‘ temperature, symptoms, etc., detect anomalies in a timely manner and provide feedback to doctors. For example, timely medical treatment can avoid deterioration if the temperature continues to decline after infection or new symptoms such as respiratory difficulties, chest pain, etc.
Home-based care and drug treatment are “dual-drives” for the recovery of infection, which are mutually reinforcing. We should move away from the misconception that “family care is not important for the recovery of infection, but is based primarily on drugs”, focus on every link of family care, and create a comprehensive and enabling rehabilitation environment for infected persons, based on drug treatment, with the power of family care to restore health and return to normal life more quickly.
