Trevor Lawrence

May 14, 20202 min

Covid-19: NHS ADVICE ON HOW TO TREAT CORONAVIRUS SYMPTOMS AT HOME

Updated: Jun 6, 2021

There is currently no specific treatment for coronavirus (COVID-19), but you can often ease the symptoms at home until you recover.


 
If you have a high temperature, it can help to:
 
- Get lots of rest
 
- Drink plenty of fluids (water is best) to avoid dehydration
 
- Drink enough so your urine is light yellow and clear
 
- Take Paracetamol or Ibuprofen if you feel uncomfortable

Image courtesy of Shiv Nadar Unversity

TREATING A COUGH
 
If you have a cough, it's best to avoid lying on your back. Lie on your side or sit upright instead.


 
To help ease a cough, try having a teaspoon of honey. But do not give honey to babies under 12 months.
 

 
If this does not help, you could contact a pharmacist for advice about cough treatments.Information:
 

 
Do not go to a pharmacy in person. If you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms, you should all stay at home.Try calling or contacting the pharmacy online instead.Things to try if you're feeling breathless
 

 
If you're feeling breathless, it can help to keep your room cool.Try turning the heating down or opening a window. Do not use a fan as it may spread the virus.
 

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YOU COULD ALSO TRY
 
Breathing slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth, with your lips together like you're gently blowing out a candle
 

 
Sitting upright in a chair
 

 
Relaxing your shoulders, so you're not hunched leaning forward slightly – support yourself by putting your hands on your knees or on something stable like a chair.
 

 
Try not to panic if you're feeling breathless. This can make things worse.
 

 

 
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR SYMPTOMS GET WORSE
 
It's important to get medical help if your symptoms get worse.
 

 
Urgent advice:
 
- Use the 111 online coronavirus service if:
 
- You feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
 
- Your symptoms get worse and you're not sure what to do
 

 
ONLY CALL 111 IF YOU CANNOT GET HELP ONLINE.
 

 

 
BABIES AND CHILDREN
 
Call 111 if you're worried about a baby or child.


 
If they seem very unwell, are getting worse, or you think there's something seriously wrong, call 999.
 

Do not delay getting help if you're worried. Trust your instincts.

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