COVID-19 is spreading at an unprecedented rate. It has now reached more than 100 countries around the world and affected thousands of people. There’s no vaccine that is found to be the cure to the disease just yet, but doctors have recommended potential treatments to address the symptoms.
Despite the many aggressive steps that governments have taken to mitigate the spread of the virus, epidemiologists believe that the viral disease will eventually affect the majority of the world’s population. Luckily, about 80 percent of those who contracted it in China—the first nation to get hit by the virus severely—only experienced mild to moderate symptoms. This means that in the event that you test positive for COVID-19, you can self-medicate and recover at home.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
- Fever (temperature above 37.8°C or skin which feels hot to touch)
- Continuous cough
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Sore throat
- Aches and pains
What to do if you have mild symptoms of COVID-19?
If you tested positive and/or feel mild to moderately symptomatic of COVID-19, here are some steps you can take to ensure your recovery:
Find a place to self-isolate
Should you find yourself sick, it’s crucial that you find a place to self-isolate, ideally a single, separate room away from other people. It will also help if the room has a separate bathroom.
Gather supplies
Here is the list of supplies that you need to procure to help you recover:
- Clean water
- Pain medication – medicine that can decrease headaches, body aches, and fever, like acetaminophen are ideal
- Tissue – you need ample rolls of tissue to avoid your viral droplets (what you produce from coughing, sneezing, and spitting) from spreading to other people in your home
- Cough medicine – strong cough is experienced by many people with COVID-19, so it’s essential that you take medication to mitigate it
- Prescription medication – Should you have asthma, other respiratory illnesses or chronic illnesses, be sure to have extra medication on hand
- Vitamin C – Vitamin C is effective in supporting the activity of your immune cells. The recommended dose is 1 to 3 grams a day, in addition to a healthy diet that is rich in fresh vegetables and fruit.
- Herbal remedies – Herbs like turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties and have high antioxidant content, which can help speed up the recovery process
- Cleaning and sanitizing products – Having a regularly sanitized space is vital during this period, so be sure to stock up on gloves, soap, hand sanitizer, surface-cleaning products, mops, and sponges
- The number for your local healthcare providers and emergency – It’s best to have easy access to a healthcare professional so you can contact them immediately if your symptoms worsen
When to seek medical help
About 80 percent of people who contracted COVID-19 can recover without hospitalization or any special treatment. If you’re young and have a healthy immune system, it’s possible that you’ll only incur mild symptoms. You would only need to isolate yourself at home, rest, and stay well-hydrated. However, if you’re an older adult, have any underlying health conditions, or immuno-compromised, contact your doctor ASAP if you experience any COVID-19 symptoms. You should also get prompt medical care right away if your symptoms worsen with home care.
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