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Anyone can catch the coronavirus, but not everyone has the same symptoms. Some people have asymptomatic disease, while others its course is more severe. Observations so far indicate that most of those infected undergo COVID-19 mildly and are treated at home. And while we know how to deal with common cold and flu symptoms, it’s worth learning what doctors are suggesting for mild COVID-19.
- Get enough rest, drink water, and if necessary take antipyretic or pain reliever medication – these are top recommendations for people with mild COVID-19 infection
- If you develop difficulty breathing, chest pain, loss of consciousness or a bluish tinge to your mouth or face – call an ambulance
- Use good hygiene and distance yourself – these are the best methods to prevent further transmission of the virus
- You can find more about the coronavirus on the TvoiLokony home page
COVID-19 treatment. What medications are worth getting?
So far, we do not have a vaccine for COVID-19, and there are no specific drugs for the disease. However, we can take some steps to alleviate the unpleasant symptoms.
The following advice is for a mild form of infection. In case of exacerbated symptoms, you need to go to an infectious disease hospital
- Rest a lot. Now the most urgent thing is to defeat the virus. By avoiding effort, you enable your body to direct the energy it needs to fight the disease.
- Drink a lot of water. Keeping your body hydrated will help to alleviate some of the symptoms of the disease. If you have a fever, you are probably sweating heavily, so by drinking plenty of water you replenish what you have lost, thus preventing dehydration. If you have a dry cough, drink water with honey (a teaspoon of honey per cup of hot water). This way you will soothe an irritated throat. If you feel like your nose and throat are clogged, drink a warm, decaffeinated drink to help thin the mucus. By ensuring adequate hydration, the immune system supports the fight against the virus.
- If necessary, use available over-the-counter medications. If you have a high fever, you can lower it with, for example, paracetamol. If your muscles ache, throat, or have a troublesome cough, take painkiller. Just remember not to exceed the recommended doses and not to take medications that may conflict with those you are already taking.
- Before taking your medications, contact your GP via teleport advice
Of course, being in quarantine means that you are not allowed to leave the house. So if you need medication or anything else, use courier delivery or ask a loved one to deliver everything to your door.
The symptoms associated with a mild to moderate course of COVID-19 usually last from a few to 10 days and resolve completely within two weeks in the vast majority of cases. During this time, try to monitor them. Should they get worse, call an ambulance – be sure to let them know you are infected with SARS-CoV-2. It is very important!
What symptoms of COVID-19 do we consider serious?
In addition to all the symptoms of COVID-19, which we know from media reports, such as fever or shortness of breath, patients certainly have an increased level of stress. If you have questions, need advice or another diagnosis, call a GP who will guide you or use the National Health Fund hotline: 800 190 590.
Mild to moderate symptoms can turn into serious ones, so stay tuned. If you notice any of the following, call an ambulance immediately:
- breathing difficulties
- persistent chest pain
- loss of consciousness, confusion or disorientation
- bluish discoloration of the lips or face.
As COVID-19 is transmitted by contact, it is important not only to stay in quarantine, but also to be kept as close to home as possible.
Keeping social distancing in an apartment can be difficult, especially if the apartment is small. But we have some tips:
- Avoid contact with household members and pets
- Do not prepare household members’ food
- Avoid shared spaces, do not touch personal belongings of others
- Wear a face mask when you are near other people
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after each contact
- Use a separate bedroom and, if possible, a separate bathroom
At the beginning of the pandemic, the quarantine lasted 14 days, but there have been changes. The standards of the International Health Organization (WHO) have been introduced reducing the isolation period to 10 days after the test, which showed a positive result. Additionally, you do not have to end the isolation with another test now.
- See more: The Minister of Health changes the rules of quarantine and isolation
A national infectious disease consultant stated that people who are in quarantine and have no clinical symptoms will be automatically released from quarantine. Conversely, people who do have symptoms will need to see a doctor, this will likely be a primary care physician. When it comes to patients who are sick and diagnosed, isolation and release from isolation are dealt with by infectious disease doctors or doctors from identical hospitals.
People who have relieved symptoms may test positive for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus for many weeks. Despite this, they are unlikely to be contagious.
Doctors recommend waiting an additional 24 hours after isolation until the last symptoms disappear (if they persist), e.g. dry cough.
When you meet the above criteria, you can be close to your household and go out safely. However, remember to keep your social distance, wear a mask, and avoid large parties and gatherings.
You can buy an antigen test for coronavirus without waiting in queues at medonetmarket.pl.
This may interest you:
- Doctors urge people to get vaccinated against the flu. But are there enough vaccines?
- Men and women react differently to the coronavirus. For some it is more dangerous
- Doctors have no doubts: This drastically increases the risk of severe COVID-19
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