SYMPTOMATIC: Experts Unveil Ways to Treat Yourself at Home

By Neil P. Apr 02 2020, 07:00 AM EDT

Experts unveiled different ways to treat yourself at home if you are experiencing mild symptoms of COVID-19 according to a recently published article.

MILD TO MODERATE SYMPTOMS

There are different things that a person must prepare once he or she decides to self-quarantine because he might encounter or have contacted a person who is positive for COVID-19. In preparing yourself for self-quarantine and social-distancing, it is important you have stocked enough essentials like food and basic commodities that will last from two to four weeks.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and epidemiologists, the majority of people will easily get infected by the virus most especially those who are vulnerable like the elderly, have pre-medical conditions, and pregnant.

Most people who have mild symptoms like coughing and sneezing decided to self-quarantine and observed social-distancing to make sure that he or she cannot infect anyone inside the home. Moreover, in a recently published research, it was found out that 80 percent of those who have mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 in China have recovered while staying at home.

Jennifer Williams, a research scientist and hydration expert at the medical device and consumer products company Abbott, said: "There are simple steps you can take to help prep for the possibility that you may contract COVID-19 or aid in your recovery if you've already tested positive and start to feel mild to moderately symptomatic."

HERE ARE THE THINGS THAT YOU SHOULD PREPARE:

Create an action plan

Dr. Lisa Ide, Chief Medical Officer of the National Virtual Health Platform Zipnosis, said that when preparing for a home quarantine, it means that there is also a need to have enough supply of food that will last in the entire duration of the isolation period.

Aside from food, a person who is experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 must also prepare for emergency contacts, a plan to communicate members of the family, friends, co-workers, and most of all an information about how to get food delivered if possible.

Make sure also that you stock fruits and vegetables because they are very important components for healing. Huel also notes on their website, "Fruit and vegetables provide loads of essential nutrients and there are ways to extend their shelf-life and make them more convenient."

Clean Water

Clean water must always be your top priority in preparing your list of items for home quarantine. Dr. Roy Benaroch, a clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at Emory University said: "COVID-19 is a viral infection and like most viral infections, treatment is all about comfort and keeping well enough while your body heals."

Pain Medication

Dr. Benaroch said that the most useful medicine is something to decrease headaches, body aches, and fever, like acetaminophen (Tylenol) since there have been issues recently about the use of Ibuprofen. A physician recommends 650 milligrams (mg) of acetaminophen every 4 to 6 hours as a safe dosage for most adults.

Tissues

Mild to moderate symptoms mean experiencing coughing and sneezing. Hence, you need to prepare plenty of tissues to avoid the spread of the virus from one person to the other.

Cough Medicine

Dr. Benaroch said: "Many people with COVID-19 have a strong cough. If you have asthma or any other respiratory condition, it's essential that you continue to take your routine respiratory medicines, and follow your asthma action plan or any similar instructions from your doctor for the use of rescue medications."