Online information on the novel coronavirus mainly consists of preventative care and social distancing measures that one must take during this pandemic. Only a handful of sources elaborate on the steps to take in the event that COVD-19 is actually contracted. In the wake of the pandemic, we have collated recommendations and tips from authorized organizations — like the WHO, NHS, or Patient — for those members of the Playpal community that are experiencing tell-tale signs of the virus.
In general, the majority of people who are infected with coronavirus experience a mild or asymptomatic disease which can be treated at home. If you, or a loved one, fall into this ambit, this blog will guide you on the things you can do to feel better.
Coronavirus Symptoms
The key symptoms associated with COVID-19 are:
- Fever (a temperature above 37.8°C or skin that feels hot to touch)
- A new, continuous cough
- Shortness of breath & difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Sore throat
- Aches & pains
If you experience symptoms 1 & 2, you should self-isolate immediately. Those experiencing a mild illness do not need to seek medical attention. Regardless, you should use the Playpal coronavirus checker tool to find out what to do next if:
- You cannot cope with your symptoms at home
- You still have fever, develop other symptoms, or your condition gets worse after a week
- You are unable to do basic tasks such as getting out of bed or looking at your phone
Tips for At-Home Care
As with any other viruses akin to a cold or a flu, you must do the following for recovery:
- Drink a lot of fluids, especially water. A good indication of whether your water intake is ‘enough’ is if the color of your pee is pale and clear. Avoid alcohol, as it leads to dehydration
- Get plenty of rest, self-isolate if you have coronavirus symptoms, and do not engage in any strenuous mental or physical activity. (Want to learn about self-isolation and social distancing? Read our blog here)
- Use over-the-counter medications to alleviate aches & pains, but avoid certain OTC medications at all costs in the context of the coronavirus. This point is elaborated below.
Medications & Painkillers
So far, there is no cure or vaccine for COVID-19; the aim of current treatment methods is to manage and reduce symptoms until you have fully recovered. As mentioned above, since most people are asymptomatic or experience mild cold-like symptoms, at-home measures are quite feasible. For this majority, painkillers like paracetamol work well in relieving the aches & pains associated with the coronavirus. However, one must be careful when self-administering OTC pain-relief medications, especially considering the possibility that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) could aggravate the COVID-19 infection. Although there is no conclusive evidence on this matter, we recommend that you stick to other painkillers to treat a fever or headache until more information is available.
When to Seek Medical Assistance
Figures show that 1 in 5 people who contract COVID-19 do require hospital care; 15% of cases end up being severe (i.e. requiring oxygen to help respiratory symptoms), and 5% end up being critical (i.e. requiring ventilation). As you may already know, older people and those with underlying health conditions are more likely to have the severe / critical experience of COVID-19; if you fall in this minority and experience aggravated symptoms for more than 7 days, seek medical assistance immediately.
