As we're settling into life under lockdown, it's clear that most of us are still pretty clueless about what it's really like to deal with actual coronavirus symptoms. Yet, some projections suggest that up to 214 million Americans could end up catching the virus. This means many of us will eventually need to figure out how to manage symptoms at home.
The internet is flooded with misinformation—everything from bogus claims that holding your breath for 10 seconds proves you’re free of COVID-19 to shady "cures" being peddled on social media and e-commerce platforms. This is dangerous, especially during a pandemic. Having accurate information about symptoms is key to knowing how to look after yourself properly.
To shed some light, we reached out (virtually) to five people who've recovered from COVID-19. Their insights were supplemented by Sanya Delgado, a registered nurse and case manager at Wake Forest Baptist Health, who ensured all recommendations were safe and evidence-based.
Here are some practical tips from those who’ve been there:
**Understanding Coronavirus Symptoms**
If you start noticing symptoms like a dry cough, extreme tiredness, fever, or trouble breathing, contact a healthcare provider right away. Our nurse consultant mentioned that testing and care protocols vary depending on where you live due to differing resource availability.
Currently, there’s no official cure for the virus. It’s vital to consult with a professional about your symptoms and follow their guidance closely.
**Tracking Your Symptoms**
In the early stages, symptoms tend to be mild—things like losing your sense of taste or having a slight cough. However, these can escalate rapidly. One patient, Sara Sayed, initially dismissed a swollen lymph node as unrelated to her recent travel. But within two days, she woke up feeling completely drained and achy.
Symptoms can fluctuate drastically. You might experience shortness of breath, a persistent cough, high fevers, severe headaches, and loss of appetite. Regular updates to your doctor are critical to ensure they can offer the best possible care.
Due to hospital overcrowding, doctors may ask you to log your symptoms via phone calls. A thermometer is essential for tracking temperature spikes, and an oximeter can measure oxygen levels in your blood. An incentive spirometer could also help assess lung function.
**Basic Recovery Tips**
Even though COVID-19 differs from typical flu, basic recovery principles remain the same: rest, hydration, and nutrition.
“Stock up on easy-to-make meals if you’re healthy,†advises Todd Sherry. During his illness, even standing by the stove felt exhausting. Preparing for potential weakness means keeping shelf-stable options like canned soups, frozen meals, or pre-made smoothies handy. Dehydration from nausea? Electrolyte drinks can prevent complications.
For those living solo, finding a “coronavirus buddy†to assist with groceries or symptom tracking can make a big difference.
**Medications and Supplements**
Nurse Delgado emphasized the importance of tracking all medications, especially NSAIDs like ibuprofen, which some claim worsen symptoms. Although some patients reported no issues with ibuprofen, Delgado suggests opting for alternatives like acetaminophen to avoid potential risks.
Over-the-counter remedies like Nyquil, Dayquil, or Tylenol provided relief for some, but mixing these is a no-go. Benadryl helped one patient sleep, while Mucinex eased coughs. Hydration remains key—dehydration reduces medication efficacy.
Multivitamins are beneficial, especially since reduced appetite makes balanced diets challenging. Zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin C supplements might support overall health.
**Comforting Airways**
Warm teas and honey-laced water offered relief for many by soothing throats. Steam also loosened mucus and improved coughs. Taking a steamy shower or leaning over a bowl of hot water with a towel draped over your head can help. Just be cautious; some found it triggered dizziness or worsened coughs.
For severe sinus congestion, nasal irrigation systems were recommended by some doctors.
**Breathing Exercises**
COVID-19 primarily affects the lungs, so checking your baseline breathing capacity before falling ill is a smart move. Deep breaths every 20 minutes helped one patient monitor his condition. However, in severe cases, deep breathing can spread the virus further. Severe shortness of breath requires immediate medical attention.
**Mental Well-being**
The physical toll of the virus is tough, but its emotional impact can be equally draining. Loss of taste left one patient feeling isolated and depressed. Surrendering to rest and recovery without guilt proved crucial.
Monitoring symptoms and maintaining a routine gave another patient a sense of control. Reaching out to friends helped others stay connected despite physical distance. Even simple texts or status updates on social media brightened spirits.
While there’s no cure for COVID-19, preparing ourselves with knowledge and support from others can make managing the virus less daunting.
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