NC doctor weighs in on viral Facebook post with COVID-19 advice

An eastern North Carolina doctor offers his take on a social media post that made rounds months ago advising patients how to treat their COVID-19 symptoms at home.

The post, which went viral in November, originated from an individual who came down with severe COVID-19 symptoms including pneumonia, dehydration and high fever. Upon release from a hospital, the patient returned home with a list of lessons learned, which they shared on Facebook.

The person went home armed with two prescriptions, Azithromycin and Dexamethasone. But Dr. Eric Bolin, Chair of the Brody School of Medicine and a physician with Vidant Health in Greenville, said those won’t work for everyone.

"I have concerns about the Azithromycin and steroids," Bolin said. "There is clear data that, early in the course of COVID, which is before hospitalization, utilization of steroids without another indication actually can lead to poor outcomes. We also know that Azithromycin is associated with various cardiac difficulties."

Bolin said COVID-19 is associated with cardiac abnormalities, so the drug could put those patients at greater risk.

The social media author continued with a detailed schedule of sleep and physical activity, advising, "Sleep on your stomach at all times with COVID."

Dr. Bolin agrees with the practice of "proning," or sleeping belly-down, for improving better circulation and breathing.

Physical activity like walking outdoors also gets a thumbs up from Bolin, who said, "That’s just the big one, and I’m really glad that one was in the post."

The author also pitches dietary advice, including lots of vitamins and supplements.

"I think attempting to get some of those same properties with food is probably a better idea," Bolin said, adding that blueberries are his favorite prescription.

"I’ve always joked that I think blueberries are God’s best idea."

As for the list of over-the-counter medications, including aspirin, Bolin advices speaking with your personal physician, adding, "These are one individual’s experiences and that is all they are. They are not proven medical therapy."

If diagnosed with COVID-19, Bolin said to plan on staying isolated at home at first. A good telemedicine contact or use of regular home care professionals can offer help and advice.

Monitoring devices in the home like a thermometer, blood pressure cuff and a pulse oximeter to measure oxygen levels, are all useful in tracking whether your symptoms are improving or worsening.