How do I manage my COVID-19 symptoms at home?

Everyone will have a different experience in their recovery from COVID-19. It is important that you listen to your body, take it easy and avoid any strenuous exercise until you’ve been cleared by your healthcare team.

Common symptoms and what to do

Severity

Symptoms

What to do

Mild


- Aches and pains
- Dry cough
- Runny nose


- Document symptoms in your daily symptom chart
- Rest
- Stay active (within your home)
- Eat well
- Maintain good fluids
- Take medicines as discussed with your healthcare provider

Moderate


- Symptom diary looking like it is tracking worse, rather than stable or better
- Temperature above 38 degrees
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Mild breathlessness or a persistent cough
- Struggling to get out of bed and feeling abnormally tired and weak


- Let your healthcare provider know about your symptoms
- Continue to document your symptoms in your daily symptom chart

Severe


- Severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Lips or face turning blue
- Pain or pressure in my chest
- Skin cold and clammy, or pale and mottled
- Confusion
- Fainting
- Finding it difficult to keep my eyes open
- Little or no urine output
- Coughing up blood


- Call 111 immediately and let them know that you have COVID-19.

At home treatment options

Symptoms

Treatments

Aches and pains

Paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with fever, headaches, and body aches.

Blocked or runny nose or cough

Nasal sprays, decongestants, lozenges or cough mixtures.

Sore throat

Suck a teaspoon of honey or gargle with salt water. Alternatively, try medicated lozenges, gargle or throat spray.

Vomiting and diarrhoea

Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.