It might seem scary if you or one of your family members gets sick with coronavirus. There might be questions in your mind, if the at-home treatment will be enough for recovery, how to relieve the symptoms, what to do if the condition worsens or how long would it last. The one undeniable fact about coronavirus is that being a novel and unique virus, there is no absolute treatment for it. Doctors and healthcare providers are only trying to alleviate the symptoms as best as they can while testing out different drugs and treatment procedures within a limit. Instead of panicking if you get infected with the virus, consult with a healthcare professional and stick to the rules that WHO and CDC have provided. Here are some ways that you can ensure proper home care for someone who has been sick with Covid 19.

What to Expect When Someone Gets Sick With Covid19

There are some common symptoms identifiable in covid 19 patients. These symptoms are so similar to generic flu that you might not even be aware that you have coronavirus. For most of the patients, these symptoms can last only a few days with recoveries within weeks. However, these symptoms can escalate quickly for a patient with reduced immunity. The common symptoms for covid19 are-

  • Fever (body temperature above 37.8°C
  • Cough and sore throat
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Headache
  • Bodyache

Is It Possible To Recover From Covid With At-Home Care?

The problem with identifying covid 19 is that its symptoms are similar to that of the seasonal flu. Without a test, it is hard to discern them. The testing process being time-consuming and scarce, most people don’t even get the chance to get tested for covid19. If you are going for any sort of medical test whether covid 19 or other health conditions, make sure that FDA approved testing kits and drug test cups are used for the test; it will minimize the risk of contamination.

If you have mild Covid19 symptoms you can recover at home. In fact, 80% of covid 19 patients are known to have recovered at home. The home care might include relieving covid 19 symptoms, taking rest, and boosting your immunity system with enough fluid and nutrition intake.

Treating Fever

If someone is running a fever and the fever is high, you should give them a fever reducer. Consult with a doctor for prescriptions and further guidance. Stay away from controversial drugs that claim to cure coronavirus. Taking enough rest and staying hydrated can provide some respite from the symptoms.

Treating Cough

Drinking hot beverages such as tea might be helpful to soothe a sore throat and cough. You can add some ginger and honey to the tea. Gargling with salt and lukewarm water might also be useful. Taking cough medicine can also help with the symptom; try an expectorant to help you get the mucus out if you have a wet cough. For a dry cough, try a cough suppressant.

Alleviating Breathing Difficulty

If mild breathing difficulty is evident, try to breathe in through the nose and breath out from the mouth. Sit upright in a chair without hunching. Feeling a little breathless is common and try not to panic; it will make the situation worse.

What Happens When You Are Caring For Someone

The caregiver has the highest chance of contracting covid 19 from the patient. If you are caring for someone, make sure you are wearing a mask. Wash your hands whenever you come in close contact with the patient or visit the patient’s room. Take caution when you are washing or drying laundry.

You should also limit your contact with other family members and stay quarantined. Regularly track your health condition for the slightest symptom of covid 19.

When Do You Need Emergency Medical Attention?

The breathing problem is what gets most of the covid 19 patients hospitalized. Apart from breathing problems, there are some signs that you should keep an eye out for. Take measures to hospitalize patients if these signs are evident-

  • Chest pressure or constant heavy feeling in the chest
  • Bluish lips in absence of oxygen
  • inability to stay alert or awake
  • confusion or jumbled state of mind that is new

What Should You Do When You Have Covid 19 Symptoms?

However, even if you have the slightest symptom of Covid 19, you should take preventive measures to avoid spreading it to others. If you live alone, it will be much easier to stay isolated till you have recovered.

If you are living with family or others, especially an elder, you should be very cautious around them. You can take these preventive measures if you are sick-

  • Don’t go out unless it is necessary, such as for medical care; if possible take a break from going to work or school
  • Stay isolated in a room, if possible, use a separate bathroom
  • Limit contact with anyone at home, limit your movement in shared places such as a living room or kitchen at home
  • Don’t share your household stuff such as mugs, glass, dishes, towels with other housemates
  • Wash your hands with alcohol-based sanitizer (60% alcohol) as much as you can
  • Wear a face mask whenever you are around other people in the house
  • If you feel you are unable to deal with the sickness seek medical help from professionals

How Long Should You Stay Isolated?

It is the most common inquiry of covid 19 patients. Generally, you should stay isolated for at least 10 days since the onset of your symptom, you are covid free if you have no symptoms for 24 hours or more. According to the CDC if a person is suspected to have covid 19 he should stay isolated for 14 days and monitor his health for symptoms; the same can be said for a caregiver of a covid19 patient. But if you have the chance to test and it comes out negative you can leave your isolation.

On a final note, the whole ordeal with Covid 19 might seem stressful, even if you have mild symptoms and suffer for a few days. For better mental support stay connected with your friends and family. Keep regular contact with them so you can be there for them when they need you to be. Take special care of the elder members of your family. Prevention is the most effective way to fight against corona, stay away from the crowd, make proper handwashing a regular practice, and try to help others when they need it. Being brave and helping each other is how we can weather this tough time.