Medical experts to news media are constantly talking about the necessity to protect ourselves from contracting Covid-19. But what should you do if you actually get the virus or someone in your home develops symptoms of Covid-19?

Here are some recommendations that healthcare professionals advise on doing whilst coping with symptoms at home:

• Drink a lot of water as this will keep your kidneys hydrated and it has been recommended by medical professionals to aim to drink at least 2 litres a day.

• Take paracetamol if you have a fever.

• Speak to your GP about whether you should continue taking any regular medications you are on. Its important you get advice.

• Sleep on your front. This is recommended as this improves oxygenation in your lungs.

• Isolate as much as possible. It is recommended by medical bodies to isolate yourself to one room and to even use a separate bathroom if possible.

• If you or someone else in your household are suffering symptoms assume you are all infected with Covid-19. You must therefore not leave your home in accordance with your respective government guidelines.

• If you have access to a pulse oximeter – use it even if your symptoms are mild. This is because sometimes a person can have low oxygen levels without realising it or showing any signs of it. Your oxygen levels should be between 96% to 100%. If they are below this range call your doctor to seek advice.

• Prepare a hospital bag. This is solely out of precaution that if in a rare event you become very sick too quickly then at least you are prepared to some extent for a brief stay in hospital.

Items that you might consider packing into your hospital bag could be:

• Toiletries
• Slippers
• Comfortable clothing
• Mobile phone charger and headphones
• Other smart devises
• Articles of faith such as prayer book
• Photos of loved ones
• Snacks
• Books

• If at any point you are unable to manage with your symptoms at home you should get medical advice via your doctor or healthcare provider.

•  If you or a family member experience worsening breathlessness and you are awaiting medical advice or an ambulance, then the following breathing techniques may help:

• Pursed lip breathing – you inhale through your nose for several seconds with your mouth closed, then exhale slowly through pursed lips for 4 to 6 seconds.
• Relaxing and dropping the shoulders reduces the ‘hunched’ posture that comes with anxiety.
• Sitting upright increases peak ventilation and reduces airway obstruction.
• Leaning forward with your arms bracing a chair has been shown to improve lung breathing capacity.

The information in this video is to raise awareness about managing symptoms of covid-19 at home. Please seek urgent medical attention from your healthcare provider when required.

Managing COVID-19 mild symptoms at home.

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