Treating symptoms of Covid-19 at home.

This article will help you cope with most symptoms of Covid19 at home.

What is Covid-19?

Fortunately, we know that the majority of people who develop Covid-19 infection do recover.

In some countries, those with mild or moderate symptoms are required to self-isolate in their own homes.

This will also rely on how well they are able to cope; and what support they have to care for themselves.

Many people experience varying degrees of an illness.

For some who have recovered without needing hospital admission, it has been described as a ‘very rough’ period of ill health.

Only in 15-20% of cases do we have people desperately ill enough to require hospital admission.

This article refers to the majority of people, (80%) who do suffer from the illness, experience the symptoms and recover. They will benefit from learning about treating symptoms of Covid-19 at home.

What are the Symptoms of Covid-19?

When the pandemic first broke out, it was classified primarily as a respiratory illness.

We thought that cough and fever were the most common symptoms.

(This was from evidence gathered of reports of illness in other countries like China; having experience of the disease progression before others).

We know that in severely ill people, it progresses to serious pneumonia, and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

A possible complication of the ARDS is the failure of the lungs and other organs like kidneys, liver and heart.

Using the links below, watch our videos to learn more of the treatments for mild and moderate symptoms.

We also share the tips /remedies you can adopt to ease your way through the course of illness until your recovery.

Treating bowel-related problems from Covid-19 at home (video)

Problems affecting the respiratory tract

Developing a high temperature/ fever/chills

Managing other Covid-19 related symptoms at home (video)

• What else should you do:

Rest as much as you can – this may be all that many people can do, but sleep is essential to helping the body heal.

Drink plenty of water – fever leads to fluid loss, muscle cramps and aches and its necessary to replace the fluid loss.

Fluid replacement is also crucial for people who have experienced diarrhoea to prevent dehydration and kidney damage.

Eating nutritious healthy foods – though appetite is affected it is important to eat for energy and for the supplements from foods.

Vitamin C and D supplements can help as well.

What is the Duration of the Course in Covid-19?

Now this varies from person to person.

On average, from the time of onset of the symptoms, some people may remail unwell for about 7 days or slightly longer.

Many others who remain unwell at home do so for between 9-14 days.

Symptoms like cough and fatigue may persist a couple of weeks longer after most of the others have resolved and the infection has cleared.

But what of the post Covid syndrome? For weeks and even months on end, some people may experience persist problems.

They may include weakness or lethargy, persistent cough or becoming short of breath with simple activity.

Keeping Others Safe while You are Home

If you live alone and you can cope, let friends or family know you are self-isolating.

Their help will be invaluable in delivering groceries or other essential items to your doorstep.

If you are part of a household,

• Consider taking up residence in one part of the house and encouraging other members to avoid that space.
• Wear a face mask to protect others from contracting the infection.
• Ask others around to wear gloves around you.
• Do not share crockery, utensils or personal items like towels etc
• Avoid using shared facilities like bathrooms and the kitchen until others are done.
  • If you feel well enough then clean down any surfaces you have touched like after a shower or bath.

Read More:

• Antibiotics – How long should you have them?
• Understanding Sickle Cell Anaemia Treatments in 2020
• My Covid-19 Experience and Narrative
• Mystery Illness affecting Children linked to Covid-19
• Is Covid-19 causing Kawasaki-like Disease in children?

Edited by AskAwayHealth Team

Disclaimer

All AskAwayHealth articles are written by practising Medical Practitioners on a wide range of health care conditions to provide evidence-based guidance and to help promote quality health care. The advice in our material is not meant to replace the management of your specific condition by a qualified health care practitioner.
To discuss your condition, please contact a health practitioner or reach us directly through info@askawayhealth.org