YHL UNIVERSITY

Treating Mild COVID-19 at Home

With the new Omicron variant spreading rapidly, more people than ever are getting infected with COVID-19 — regardless of vaccination status. Many people who are fully vaccinated and contract COVID-19 may experience a mild to moderate course of illness. This being said, a mild case of COVID-19 still means you will have to isolate in order to prevent transmitting the virus to others. While you recover from COVID-19, it’s important to rest, drink lots of fluids, and monitor your symptoms. Though over-the-counter medications can’t cure COVID-19, some medical supplies may temporarily alleviate symptoms. 

Rest

Getting plenty of rest is the most important thing you can do for your body when fighting any virus. Sleeping helps boost your immune system by providing your body with the energy it needs to fight off your illness effectively. 

Pain medication

Pain medication will help alleviate some of the most common symptoms of COVID-19 such as headaches, muscle aches, and fever. Take your doctor’s guidance on which over-the-counter medication they recommend for your case. Common over-the-counter pain medications include tylenol, aspirin, and ibuprofen. 

Tissues

Make sure you have lots of tissues on hand if you’re isolated in a household. Viral droplets spread by coughing and sneezing, so it’s important to have tissues on hand to prevent transmitting the virus to other people. 

Vitamin C

Though vitamin C may not alleviate symptoms of COVID-19, it’s important to supplement your body with vitamin C as it’s an essential vitamin that may boost immunity by helping white blood cells function more effectively. You can get vitamin C from fruits and vegetables, such as bell peppers, citrus fruits, and tomatoes. As a supplement, the daily recommendation of vitamin C for adults is between 75 mg-90 mg. 

Fluids

Staying hydrated is crucial if you develop COVID-19, especially if your fever is high. Common symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, diarrhea, coughing, and vomiting, can impact your fluid intake. Make sure you’re drinking lots of water and electrolyte-containing fluids to replace the fluids you have lost. 

Another reason why healthy hydration is important when treating mild COVID-19 is because it can loosen mucus and clear congestion. If you’re dehydrated, your respiratory secretions thicken and become difficult to clear from your lungs. Healthy hydration levels will help your body’s fluid losses and thin your respiratory secretions. 

Monitor your symptoms

Continue to monitor your symptoms if you’re sick with COVID-19. If your symptoms become more severe, reach out to your doctor or healthcare practitioner. If your symptoms worsen, look for emergency signs of COVID-19. According to the CDC, seek emergency medical care if your symptoms include:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain in your chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

How to not infect others

Stay home and isolate yourself from others in your household. Try to stay in one specific room away from pets and other members of your household. If you find yourself in a situation where isolating is not possible, wear a face mask and wash your hands before and after every interaction.

Regardless of vaccination status, the isolation period for a positive COVID-19 case is now 5 days. You may end isolation after 5 full days if you have not had a fever for a full 24 hours. If you tested positive for COVID-19 but did not experience any symptoms, end isolation at least 5 full days after your positive test. 

You can keep up to date with the current CDC COVID-19 isolation guidelines here.  

Get tested 

Get tested if you’re experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. At Your Health Lab, we offer the gold standard COVID-19 PCR test for $119. While you’re waiting for your results, stay home and isolate yourself from those around you.

If your test comes back positive, isolate immediately and continue to follow the care instructions given to you by your healthcare provider. Our team is always here to help if you have any questions about mild COVID-19 home treatment.

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