In this time of pandemic, we need to be more cautiously aware of our health so that we can protect not just ourselves, but also our loved ones and the people around us. The coronavirus (COVID-19) is a disease that can infect anybody – no matter who you are, your age, your location, or your social status.
But don’t worry – there are things that we can do at home for prevention and monitoring. For one, we can (and should!) strengthen our immune systems by eating healthy food and drinking the right vitamins. We should also practice social distancing and avoid gathering in large crowds as much as we can. For the monitoring part, you can purchase certain devices that can monitor your vital body functions such as your blood oxygen levels.
Why blood oxygen levels? Blood oxygen levels determine whether there’s enough oxygen running through your body. Not enough or fluctuating oxygen levels could mean underlying chronic or respiratory diseases. COVID-19 patients, in particular, often experience mild to severe respiratory diseases. So while your blood oxygen levels doesn’t necessarily identify whether you are infected by COVD-19, it can tell if there’s not enough oxygen level in your body.
How does a pulse oximeter measure your blood oxygen levels?
A pulse oximeter is very easy and painless to use! During a pulse oximetry reading, a small clamp-like device is attached to your fingertip. The pulse oximeter will then send beams of light through the blood in your finger. It will measure your oxygen saturation by noting the changes in light absorption in both your oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.
After the assessment, your pulse oximeter will display your current pulse rate and your oxygen saturation levels in percentage on its built-in screen. All these… in just 30 seconds!
Very easy, fast, and convenient, right? A pulse oximeter is especially helpful if someone in your family has respiratory or chronic issues. You can test their blood oxygen levels right away especially when they go and do physically strenuous activities.
DO I NEED TO HAVE ONE AT MY HOME/OFFICE?
Clinicians, first responders, and in-home patients are encouraged to have pulse oximeters within their reach.
If you are a clinician attending to patients whose conditions require blood oxygen levels monitoring, it is advised that you own one in your office. If you are a first responder attending to emergencies, better have a pulse oximeter in your first aid response kit. Finally, if you are a caregiver to an in-home patient or someone who needs to have their blood oxygen levels monitored at home, a pulse oximeter will help assess your oxygen saturation right at the comforts of your home.
A pulse oximeter is of great help from the simplest monitoring procedures to the most challenging health environments and emergencies. Make sure that you purchase durable and easy-to-use pulse oximeters in the market that will provide you with reliable and precise measurements.
