MANAGING COVID-19 SYMPTOMS AT HOME

Some medications can alleviate symptoms of COVID-19. However, there is still no specific medicine for the treatment of COVID-19. Meanwhile, our experts are studying which drugs and which patients that the drug works best. People must not take any medication unless a doctor has prescribed it to them. Nevertheless, you can manage some of the symptoms of COVID-19. Some symptoms of the disease are shortness of breath, cough, and fever.

1. FOR SHORTNESS OF BREATH

  • Try meditation or relaxation techniques

This technique will help calm the body and makes your breathing more regular. Experiencing shortness of breath might leave you feeling anxious. Meditation and relaxation techniques will help you fight anxiety.

  • Slow breaths

Take slow breaths because it will help you start breathing again properly. Slowing things down is a great technique if you experience shortness of breath.

If you were prescribed an inhaler, you might need to continuously use it. Pay attention to how your chest feels. Never use someone else’s inhaler and use only the one that is prescribed to you. After every use, make sure you disinfect the mouthpiece.

2. FOR COUGH

  • Warm beverages

Drink warm beverages such as broth or tea. These beverages will heat the airways, break up any mucus, and keep you hydrated.

  • Throughout the day, sip on drinks

This will not only keep your throat comfortable and moist but also helps you keep hydrated.

  • A teaspoon of honey in hot water or hot tea

A little amount of honey tends to soothe a sore throat. Take note that children under 1 year old must not try honey.

  • Steam inhalation

You may have a hot shower, vaporizer, or humidifier. Steam inhalation opens your airways that makes it easier to breathe helps soothe a sore throat.

  • Frozen treat

Eating some frozen food may help numb pain and soothe your throat if it is sore from coughing. The coldness of it is helpful.

  • Take lozenges or hard candy

These might be helpful to keep your throat and mouth moist.

  • Cough medicine

If you have a cough that contains lots of mucus, you may want to take an expectorant to help the mucus get out. A cough suppressant is what you need if a dry cough occurs

  • For pain

You may take acetaminophen which is a pain reliever that can take the edge off. Sometimes a lot of coughing can be painful.

3. FOR FEVER

  • Rest

Your body needs the energy to fight the virus. You need to rest to allow your body does its job.

  • Stay hydrated

The fever usually causes sweating wherein you lose lots of water in your body. Drink plenty of fluids such as juice or water. Caffeinated beverages are not recommended.

  • Fever reducer

If you feel that your fever is too high, you can take a fever reducer. Acetaminophen is usually the recommendation. Ibuprofen is also a fever reducer but there are some concerns that it might not be safe to take with the COVID-19.