Most people who have COVID-19 can recuperate at home, while remaining in contact with their doctor. Abigail R. Chen, MD, Senior Medical Director at Mount Sinai Doctors Downtown, tells you what you need to know to address COVID-19 symptoms at home.
Can I stay at home if I have COVID-19?
Generally, yes. Most people who test positive for COVID-19 will have mild symptoms–like a cough or sore throat. If you are experiencing mild symptoms, you can certainly recuperate at home by treating with over-the-counter medications. Below, I outline how to address the most common COVID-19 symptoms at home.
For information on protecting others in your home, read through the CDC guidelines.
How do I treat fever from COVID-19?
The best way to treat fever from COVID-19 is with acetaminophen—the active ingredient in Tylenol and other over-the-counter painkillers. Some early reports suggested that ibuprophen—the active ingredient in Motrin, Advil, and others—may make COVID-19 worse. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has found no link between ibuprofen use and severe COVID-19. Remember to follow the dosage and timing directions on the package.
What should I take for a cough?
Most of the time, coughs that come with COVID-19 are dry and do not bring up phlegm. They can be severe and may even disrupt your sleep—but may still be able to be handled at home. The best approach to a cough can be a cough suppressant like dextromethorphan –the active ingredient in Robitussin, Nyquil, and other over-the-counter medications. If your cough is making it difficult to sleep, try a semi-reclining position (about a 45-degree angle). Since the cough associated with the virus is dry, you do not need an expectorant—such as guaifenesin—which helps to clear mucus from the airways. If your cough is really making you uncomfortable, talk with your doctor, who can give you a prescription-strength medication, or let you know if you need to go to the hospital.
What can I do about fatigue?
The key is to listen to your body. It is not uncommon to feel fatigued even days or weeks after many other symptoms have resolved. If your body is telling you to sleep more than usual, you should respect that and lay down rather than getting back on your computer. If you are having difficulty sleeping, try adjusting your position. Many people have some level of insomnia these days, due to the stress of the stay at home orders.
What if I lose my appetite?
Many people with COVID-19 find their appetite has disappeared. It is important to remain hydrated and take in some calories to give your body strength to fight the virus. Many people find that traditional soups—such as chicken soup or rice porridge (also called congee or jook)—can be helpful. These soups are bland, easy to digest, and offer some nutrition to help your body get energy. But soups do not provide all the hydration you need. You should make sure to drink as much water or other liquid as you can. Once you feel better, try to eat a little more to give your body strength to continue to heal.
What if I have a sore throat?
If you find your throat hurts from coughing, acetaminophen may be able to help. Many people find it also helps to drink something warm or very cold; pick what feels best on your throat.
How do I address shortness of breath?
This is the most dangerous of the COVID-19 symptoms. When you are taking care of COVID-19 at home, your doctor will pay careful attention to how you are breathing. Typically, every video appointment will begin and end with questions about shortness of breath. If you notice a change in your breathing—for instance, if you normally have no trouble with a flight of stairs and now find yourself huffing and puffing—it may be time to go to the hospital. Your doctor can advise you.
What if I lose my sense of taste and smell?
This is one of the more unusual symptoms of COVID-19. It can appear even with the mildest of cases. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have lost either your sense of smell or taste. While we cannot give you back your ability to savor chocolate or sniff flowers, these symptoms can help your doctor determine whether you have seasonal allergies or the COVID-19 virus. To learn more about this unusual symptom, read this post from Mount Sinai rhinologist Patrick Colley, MD.
How often should I check in with my doctor?
You should keep in touch with your doctor regularly. If your doctor does not recommend a follow-up appointment, you should feel comfortable asking for one. It is important to understand that recuperating from COVID-19 is not a linear trajectory. You may start to feel better and then, after a few days, feel worse again. It is important, though, to have a doctor monitor your symptoms; he or she can tell you if what you are experiencing is standard or concerning. These days, many doctors are available by email, as well as phone and video.
Are there certain people who should be extra vigilant?
The elderly and people who have hypertension, obesity, and diabetes should be especially careful about discussing any COVID-19 symptoms with their doctor. These conditions have been closely linked to relatively severe cases of the virus. If you have any of these conditions and are experiencing any symptoms that resemble COVID-19, please keep in contact with your doctor.
What if my doctor tells me to go to the hospital? Do I have to?
If your doctor does advise you to go to the hospital, please do so. These days, many people fear hospitals and doctors’ offices. But health care facilities are taking special care to protect you. If you need hospital-level care, it is important that you get it.