So you caught Covid. What now?
Of course you have to isolate yourself to not pass it on to other people.
When it comes to your own well-being, experts recommend the following.
Don’t suffer in silence. Let people know you have Covid.
They may be able to help get some food to your door and call you to check on how you’re doing while you’re forced to isolate.
The NHS also has volunteers who can help people who are self-isolating at home with things like grocery shopping and medicine collection. Find out more online or by calling 0808 196 3646.
- What are the self-isolation rules?
- How do I get volunteer support?
Even with newer variants of the virus, such as Omicron and Delta, many people have mild or no symptoms and can survive the infection safely at home.
The main symptoms, says the NHS, are still:
- a new, persistent cough
- fever/high temperature
- Loss or change of smell or taste
But researchers, who have collected feedback from hundreds of thousands of people about their experiences with Covid, suggest that the five most common symptoms resemble those of a cold:
- runny nose
- headache
- Fatigue (either mild or severe)
- Sneeze
- sore throat
Omicron Symptoms: Is a Runny Nose a Cold or Covid?
If you’re feeling down, there are things you can do to help.
Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water, and take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help you feel more comfortable.
If you cough, try lying on your side or sitting up rather than on your back.
Sitting instead of lying down is also good if you’re a little out of breath.
You could also try:
- Breathe in slowly through your nose and out through your mouth, with your lips closed, as if gently blowing out a candle
- Relax your shoulders so you’re not hunched and lean forward slightly with your hands on your knees
- Turn down the heat and let in some fresh air
Tips for shortness of breath
Some people find a device called a pulse oximeter useful. It checks the oxygen level in the blood.
It attaches to your finger and can be a useful measurement to know, a bit like checking your temperature with a thermometer.
Low levels of oxygen in your blood can be a sign that you are getting worse.
A score of 95 or more is normal. If it drops to 93 or 94 and stays that way an hour later, call 111 or your GP for advice. If it’s 92 or less (on a device that’s CE marked and you’re using it according to the instructions that came with it), go to A&E or call 999.
- How do you use a pulse oximeter?
- Experts say pulse oxygen monitors work less well on darker skin
If you want additional advice, you can try calling a pharmacy or contacting them online. The NHS website also has a lot of information on Covid.
Some people with Covid require medical care, including hospitalization.
The NHS is also offering some high-risk patients a pill to take at home to help reduce their risk of a more serious infection.
Get advice from NHS 111 or your GP if:
- You begin to feel unwell or breathless
- You have trouble breathing when you stand up or move
- You feel very weak, achy or tired
- you tremble or tremble
- You’ve lost your appetite
- They are unable to take care of themselves – for example, tasks such as washing and dressing or preparing food are too difficult
- You still feel unwell after four weeks – that can long be Covid
Go to A&E immediately or call 999 if:
- You are so out of breath that you cannot say short sentences at rest
- Your breathing suddenly got worse
- You cough up blood
- You feel cold and sweaty, with pale or blotchy skin
- You have a rash that looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin that doesn’t go away when you roll a glass over it
- You collapse or pass out
- You feel agitated, confused or very sleepy
- You have stopped peeing or are peeing much less than usual
If you’re worried about a baby or child, don’t hesitate to get help. If you seem very unwell, get worse, or you think something is seriously wrong, call 999.
- Which treatments work best against Covid?
- What are the symptoms of long Covid?
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