How to treat Coronavirus symptoms at home
Dr Sharon Hadly: “Hello I’m Dr Sharon Hadly, I want to talk to you about how to look after yourself if you think you have Coronavirus”.
“You all know how to look after simple coughs and colds, and symptoms of Coronavirus may simply be like this, but you can be a lot worse”.
“So, if you are unwell, please get a test by using NHS 111 service”.
“Most people with Coronavirus (Covid-19) feel better within a few weeks. You may be able to look after yourself at home while you recover”.
“If you have a temperature, it is important to get lots of rest”.
“You should also drink plenty of fluids. Water is best to avoid dehydration. It is important to drink enough so your pee is light yellow and clear”.
“If you feel uncomfortable you can take paracetamol or ibuprofen”.
“If you have a cough, it is best to avoid lying on your back. Lie on your side or sit upright instead”.
“To help ease a cough, try having a teaspoon of honey but do not give this to babies under 12 months old”.
“If this doesn’t help, you should ask a non-isolating friend or family member to seek advice from a pharmacist on your behalf”.
“Do not attend a pharmacy yourself”.
“If you are feeling breathless, it can help to keep your room cool.”
“Try turning the heating down or opening a window. Do not use fan as it may spread the virus”.
“You could also try breathing slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth, with your lips together like you’re gently blowing out a candle. Sitting upright in a chair relaxing your shoulders, so you’re not hunched”.
“Leaning forward slightly – support yourself by putting your hands on your knees or on something stable like a chair”.
“It is important to try and stay calm if you’re feeling breathless. Anxiety can make it a lost worse.”
“If you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms, you must all stay at home”.
“If you are concerned about your symptoms and need medical advice, use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service”.
Temperature
- Get lots of rest.
- Drink plenty of fluids (water is best) to avoid dehydration – drink enough so your pee is light yellow and clear.
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you feel uncomfortable
Cough
- Lie on your side or sit upright instead. Avoid lying on your back.
- Try having a teaspoon of honey to help ease a cough. But do not give honey to babies under 12 months.
If this does not help, ask a friend or family member to seek advice from a pharmacist on your behalf.
Breathless
- Keep your room cool. Try turning the heating down or opening a window. DO NOT use a fan as it may spread the virus.
- Try breathing slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth, with your lips together.
- Sit upright in a chair relaxing your shoulders.
- Lean forward slightly – support yourself by putting your hands on your knees or on something stable like a chair
Try to stay calm if you’re feeling breathless. Anxiety can make it worse
Do not go to a pharmacy
If you have COVID-19, you should stay at home. If you’re concerned about your symptoms and need medical advice, use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service.
Even if you do not have symptoms, you can help stop the spread of the virus:
- follow advice on how to avoid catching and spreading COVID-19
- consider limiting contact with people who are at higher risk from COVID-19
Get help while you’re staying at home
NHS Volunteer Responders can help you while you have to stay at home (self-isolate). They can help with things like collecting shopping and medicines.
Call 0808 196 3646 (8am to 8pm, everyday) to arrange help from a volunteer.