Most people who get COVID-19 only experience mild symptoms and can recover at home. Use the following guidelines to learn how to treat COVID-19 at home.
Care Tips
Get plenty of rest - Sleep is crucial to physical recovery, keeping the immune system functioning, emotional health and mental health.
Stay hydrated - COVID-19 symptoms include fever and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration. Drink water frequently, along with broth, soup, tea with honey and fruit juice. Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, getting light-headed upon standing and urinating less frequently.
Keep a log of your symptoms so you know to contact your doctor if your symptoms keep getting worse. It's also a good idea to use a pulse oximeter to measure your blood oxygen level.
Treat your symptoms. Use over-the-counter fever reducers and antidiarrheal medications as needed. Hot showers can help with sore throat and congestion. An inhaler may be needed if you experience chest tightness or wheezing. Talk to your doctor about your treatment plan.
Ask for help with essentials such as getting groceries and medicine.
Follow your doctor's recommendations.
When To Call Your Doctor
Treatment is focused on alleviating symptoms. However, if you are an older adult or have existing conditions that put you at greater risk of severe illness, it's especially important to contact your doctor as soon as you test positive or begin experiencing symptoms for additional recommendations.
When To Seek Emergency Care
If you or someone with COVID-19 experiences the warning signs listed below, medical attention is needed immediately. Call 911 or your local emergency number if the sick person can't be woken up or experiences any of the following:
Trouble breathing
Persistent chest pain or pressure
New confusion
Bluish lips or face
Inability to stay awake
Pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds — depending on skin tone
Pulse oximeter shows blood oxygen level below 90%
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