The coronavirus disease has infected millions of people around the world. However, most that develop symptoms have only mild symptoms that can be managed at home.
- Know The Symptoms
The majority of patients have a fever. Several people also have some symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, muscle pain, shortness of breath, sore throat, cough, and altered sense of smell and taste. For people with underlying conditions or older patients, symptoms may be more atypical and sometimes with weakness and fatigue as the only signs.
- Contact A Doctor
Let your doctor know as soon as any symptoms start so that they can monitor you. This is particularly important for people with a higher risk of complications. If you don’t have a doctor, make a relationship with a doctor especially if they have telemedicine capability.
- Rest And Drink Lots Of Fluids
Get plenty of rest and don’t forget to drink water. Diarrhea and fever could lead to significant dehydration which might make you feel worse. You might consider keeping a big bottle of water by your bed and drinking from it often. Fruit juice is also a good choice. If your mouth senses that it’s dry and when you move from a seated position to standing you get lightheaded means you’re dehydrated. You must also be urinating every 4-5 hours. Severe dehydration could be one of the reasons a person is being hospitalized with COVID-19 because the body becomes too weak and not able to fight off infections.
- Monitor Your Health
Keep a detail about your symptoms and contact your doctor if are getting worse. Check your temperature for at least two times a day and take note of your breathing particularly if you feel you lack breath with just slight activity or just resting. COVID-19 is a respiratory condition and people who are severely ill need a ventilator or oxygen. You can check your blood oxygen level. Seek emergency medical assistance right away if you have trouble breathing.
- Treat Your Symptoms
There is no certain vaccine or medicine for the treatment of COVID-19 as of the moment. However, you can take steps to support your recovery. High fever is dangerous because they worsen dehydration, affects your thinking, and increases the overall oxygen demands of your vital organs. You can take over-the-counter medications for fever and a hot shower to breathe in the steam to ease a sore throat or congestion.
Protect Others
It is important to avoid spreading the infection. Stay at home excluding for medical appointments and isolate in one specific room. If possible, use a different bathroom from others as well. Wear a mask if you are around other people, avoid older or relatives with underlying conditions, and stay at least 6 feet apart from others. Do not share personal belongings or utensils, bedding, towels, plates, or cups.
- Return To Normal Gradually
Recovery time might be a few days to two weeks. Even if you are well, you can still be infectious. Therefore, check with your doctor before leaving your room or home. You can be with others after you’ve been free from fever for 3 full days without taking any medication to lessen the fever, other symptoms have improved, and 10 days have passed since your first symptoms first appeared.
