Here are ten top tips for managing the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) at home as most of us (80%) will only get mild effects:-
1. Recognise the symptoms – any new continuous cough or fever is possibly the coronavirus.
2. Don’t panic. MOST people will be able to manage symptoms at home so DO NOT go the GP practice or A&E.
3. Get educated. Look at https://www.nhsinform.scot. If you are short of breath (not able to walk up stairs) or speak in sentences then call GP practice or phone 111.
4. Self-isolate to stop the virus spreading. Follow latest NHS advice.
5. Treat at home with rest, paracetamol and fluids are crucial especially with fever. Ibuprofen is NOT recommended to treat coronavirus as it may cause side effects in a small majority of people, but not in everyone. Aim to drink 10 x 300ml mugs of fluid a day. Avoid alcohol. Water, diluting juice or fruit juice are all ok. Keep an eye on urine colour (should be clear or mildly yellow) to avoid dehydration.
6. Food is less important than fluids. If able to, eat lots of fruit and veg to help your immune system fight the infection.
7. Stop certain medications, only after consulting your GP, especially those which lower blood pressure and anti-inflammatories such as ACE inhibitors, ARB’s, Diuretics, Metformin and NSAIDS. Although ibuprofen is NOT recommended to treat coronavirus, it’s best to consult a GP if you are already taking it, and need it, for other medical issues. Restart these medications 48 hours after you are eating and drinking normally again. Read this latest advice about anti-inflammatory medication.
8. Get support – call family/friends/community members and ask them to deliver supplies. Local facebook groups are supporting the ‘I can help’ cards posted in various streets throughout our communities. Let your neighbours know about these schemes.
9. For children follow advice from the excellent ‘When should I worry‘ website.
10. Contact the GP surgery by phone if you are not getting better after 7 days.
As the NHS resources are going to be stretched it is best to stay at home if you can. Also, more than ever, first aid knowledge and training is crucial for the public. In our classes you’ll learn how to treat many minor common illnesses that you may normally ask your GP about, as well as learning essential life saving skills such as CPR and choking that you may need to deal with if emergency services are delayed.
While we are still running essential paediatric first aid for childcare professionals we can also teach family first aid in the comfort of your own home. Just contact me for more details.
