Treating a high temperature
If you have a high temperature, it can help to:
get lots of rest
drink plenty of fluids (water is best) to avoid dehydration – drink enough so your pee is light yellow and clear
take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you feel uncomfortable
worth considering:
The fever paradox
Fever can be deadly, but in moderation it could have some surprising upsides…
bacteria and viruses find it easier to replicate and infect cells at temperatures below 37°C. “By increasing your body temperature, you may be slowing down the ability of a virus to multiply,” says Davis.
By increasing your body temperature, you may be slowing the ability of a virus to multiply
It also seems that the immune system works more efficiently when the body gets hotter. Immune cells that act as first responders to infection, such as dendritic cells, macrophages and neutrophils, have been shown to arrive at the scene faster, and have an improved capacity to engulf and destroy infectious agents at 38°C to 40°C. Fever also seems to make these cells better at recruiting and activating T-cells, which coordinate longer-term “adaptive” immune responses, such as antibody production. And T-cells and antibody-producing B-cells also better respond to instructions from the immune system at these temperatures.
Treating a cough
If you have a cough, it's best to avoid lying on your back. Lie on your side or sit upright instead.
To help ease a cough, try having a teaspoon of honey. But do not give honey to babies under 12 months.
If this does not help, you could contact a pharmacist for advice about cough treatments.
Things to try if you're feeling breathless
If you're feeling breathless, it can help to keep your room cool.
Try turning the heating down or opening a window. Do not use a fan as it may spread the virus.
You could also try:
breathing slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth, with your lips together like you're gently blowing out a candle
sitting upright in a chair
relaxing your shoulders, so you're not hunched
leaning forward slightly – support yourself by putting your hands on your knees or on something stable like a chair
Try not to panic if you're feeling breathless. This can make it worse.
Emergency warning signs
Carefully monitor yourself or your loved one for worsening symptoms. If symptoms appear to be getting worse, call the doctor.
A pulse oximeter is a plastic clip that attaches to a finger. The device can help check breathing by measuring how much oxygen is in the blood. A reading of less than 92% might increase the need for hospitalization. If the doctor recommends a pulse oximeter, make sure you understand how to use the device properly and when a reading should prompt a call to the doctor.
If you or the person with COVID-19 experiences emergency warning signs, medical attention is needed immediately. Call 911 or your local emergency number if the sick person can't be woken up or you notice any emergency signs, including:
Trouble breathing
Persistent chest pain or pressure
New confusion
Bluish lips or face
Inability to stay awake
Pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds — depending on skin tone
