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

What is Covid-19?

Covid 19 is an acute respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Fortunately, we know that most people who develop Covid-19 infection 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 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?

The pandemic was classified primarily as a respiratory illness when it first broke out.

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 experienced the disease progression before others).

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

A possible complication of 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 it’s 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.

Additionally, 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.

However, on average, some people may remain unwell for about 7 days or slightly longer from the onset of the symptoms.

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 persistent problems.

They may include weakness or lethargy, persistent cough, or shortness 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, clean down any surfaces you 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 healthcare conditions to provide evidence-based guidance and to help promote quality healthcare. The advice in our material is not meant to replace the management of your specific condition by a qualified healthcare practitioner.
To discuss your condition, please contact a health practitioner or reach us directly