COVID-19: ADVICE AVAILABLE FOR SYMPTOMS AT HOME

When we looked at the overall COVID-19 'process' right back when this blog was launched in July, I said this:
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Has anything improved in the last six weeks or so?  Let's see.



TRACKING THE PROCESS

The publicly available information is little more than that available back in July.  That is the three types of new infections, hospital admissions and deaths.  No new data types, just more detail.  No official statistics I've seen about the development of the disease or the incidence of LongCOVID.

No real improvement there then.

This article suggests as many as 20% of people who contract COVID-19 will need hospital treatment, whilst the other 80% will only have mild symptoms or remain asymptomatic.


SYMPTOMS AND GETTING TESTED

The NHS web site says this, plus further advice:

If you get a negative result, there are several situations where you will still have to continue to self-isolate, as discovered from being tested recently.  It is proving difficult and frustrating to get a test, and presumably everybody who can't get a test should follow the same advice.


DRUGS FOR HOME USE

This blog is not medical advice.  But a quick internet search discovered:

• "We aren't aware of any remedy to cure COVID-19"

• Do not go to a pharmacist.  Someone will need to go on your behalf, and help is available.

• Paracetamol is recommended to keep temperature down

• Honey and cough medicines can be used to ease coughing

• Care should be taken with Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

• Antibiotics do not work on a virus like causes COVID-19, and should only be taken under specific medical advice for bacterial illnesses

• Do not take any other drug that may be recommended on social media, without checking with your doctor.  There's a lot of 'quackery' about.

• Looking forther ahead, there is a "Platform Randomised trial of Interventions against COVID-19 in older peoPLE (PRINCIPLE)" trial starting for the over 50s to see if commonly available drugs can keep people out of hospital.  Hydroxychloroquine has been ruled out for hospital use, when symptoms have progressed too far, but is being formally considered at earlier stages.  As will other drugs, including azithromycin.

The NHS help page linked in my July article has barely changed, and echoes what's said above.


OTHER HOME TREATMENTS

The main things to do are as for any other serious infection:

• Keep isolated, in a separate bedroom and bathroom if at all possible.  Food can be left outside the bedroom door.  Research suggests more transmission occurs in the home than elsewhere, either within a family or amongst housemates.  So the better the precautions at home the better for your family, friends and society

• Rest in bed.  Better to lie on side or sit up if struggling to breathe

• Drink plenty of water.  Typically 3 pints (women) and 4 pints (men) so your pee is a pale clear yellow colour

The NHS help page offers a number of other suggestions, including exercises and advice if feeling breathless, and where to get support.

You may also find these deep breathing techniques useful, which can be adopted at the outset of symptoms to reduce chance of lung symptoms worsening

Deep breathing

IF SYMPTOMS DETERIORATE

If any doubt contact 111, firstly by completing this symptoms questionnaire online