A slice of good news found within the COVID-19 statistics is that the majority of people with the virus are not sick enough to warrant hospitalization. Johns Hopkins estimates about 80 – 90% of COVID-19 cases are “not severe and many may be asymptomatic.” Even though people experience varying levels of symptoms and recovery times, there are things that patients or their caregivers can do at home to manage mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms and help the recovery process.
Symptoms
Mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 may include the following:
These symptoms can last for several weeks, with a longer time to regain full strength and stamina.
Treatment
Here are things you can do to help your COVID-19 treatment:
It may be tempting to avoid the ER at all costs, but if you're showing signs of significantly worsening illness, evaluation and treatment in the ER can prevent serious complications.
Recovery
Dr. Lauren Ferrante, a Yale School of Medicine pulmonary and critical care physician, offers these suggestions to help your recovery:
The World Health Organization (WHO) and Johns Hopkins both agree that isolation should continue for 10 days after onset of symptoms AND 3 days without fever or respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath). No fever reducing medications should be used in order for a fever-free day to "count" as fever-free.
If you had symptoms but your COVID-19 testing returns negative (no disease), you may still need to quarantine for the full duration given the risk of false negative test results (meaning, you have the disease but the test misses it). Check with your doctor regarding your specific situation and testing.
Once you are out of isolation, it is still important to wash your hands frequently, maintain social distancing, and wear a mask covering your nose and mouth when you are in a public place with other people. It is still unclear if immunity occurs and if so, how long it lasts. Do all you can to keep yourself and others safe.