There’s tons of TV and radio ads, articles, social media posts and WhatsApp messages informing us about how to avoid contracting COVID-19. However, there’s not nearly enough information with regards to what one should do once they’ve contracted COVID-19 by being tested and diagnosed. We’ve researched some suggestions and hope this helps you to prepare and know what to possibly expect.
You will pretty much prepare for this in the same way you would when getting a nasty respiratory bug like bronchitis or pneumonia. The following items should be in your house ahead of time.
- Tissues
- Paracetamol
- A generic, mucus thinning cough medicine of choice
- Honey and lemon
- Vicks VapoRub
- A humidifier is a useful item to use in your room when you go to bed at night.
- If you have a history of asthma and have a prescription inhaler, ensure you have one that is not expired and re-fill this or get a new one if necessary.
Steps to take for planning ahead:
- Meal preparation – Create a big quantity of your favourite soup to freeze and have on hand.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Stock up on your favourite clear fluids.
- For COVID-19 symptom management and a fever over 38°C, take Paracetamol instead of Ibuprofen.
- You should not be leaving your house. Even if you are feeling better, you may still be infectious for 14 days and those who are more senior and with existing health conditions should be avoided at all costs.
- Wear gloves and a mask to avoid infecting others in your household.
- Isolate in your bedroom if you are living with others and ask friends and family to leave supplies outside to avoid contact.
- Sanitize your bed linen and clothes through regular washing.
- Clean your bathroom with recommended sanitizers.
A major relief to parents should be that children cope very well with COVID-19 – they usually bounce back in a few days (but may still be infectious). It’s recommended to use paediatric dosing. It is also important for all of us to increase our uptake of foods that are rich in antioxidants and those with anti-inflammatory benefits.
Some of the foods you should be eating:
Lemon
Lime
Avocado
Garlic
Mango
Tangerine
Pineapple
Orange
How do you know you have COVID-19?
- Itching in the throat
- Dry throat
- Dry cough.
- High temperature
- Shortness of breath
When you notice these symptoms quickly, drink warm water with lemon.
Stay safe and healthy!