COVID-19 Self-Treatment Recommendations
For mild COVID-19 managed at home, use paracetamol (not NSAIDs) for fever and symptoms, ensure adequate hydration (up to 2 liters daily), honey for cough, and practice controlled breathing techniques with proper positioning for breathlessness. 1
Symptomatic Management
Fever Control
- Paracetamol is the preferred antipyretic over NSAIDs for fever and symptom relief 1
- Take paracetamol only while fever and symptoms are present, not routinely to reduce temperature 1
- Monitor closely around day 5 after exposure when fever typically peaks 1
Cough Management
- Honey should be used as first-line treatment for cough 1
- Avoid lying flat on your back, as this makes coughing ineffective 1
- If cough becomes distressing despite simple measures, consider short-term use of codeine linctus, codeine phosphate tablets, or morphine sulfate oral solution (requires medical consultation) 1
Breathlessness Management
- Practice controlled breathing techniques, including pursed-lip breathing 1
- Sit upright to increase peak ventilation 1
- Lean forward with arms bracing to improve ventilatory capacity 1
- Relax and drop shoulders to reduce anxiety-related hunched posture that worsens breathlessness 1
Hydration and Nutrition
- Ensure adequate hydration with regular fluid intake, limited to no more than 2 liters per day 1
- Consume protein-rich foods including eggs, fish, lean meat, and dairy products 2, 3
- Target energy intake of 25-30 kcal/(kg·day) and protein intake of 1.5 g/(kg·day) 3, 1
- Maintain balanced nutrition with proper amounts of food 2
Rest and Activity
- Bed rest is recommended during the acute phase 1
- Have regular daily life and physical activities once symptoms improve 2
- Avoid overloaded work 2
Critical Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Medical Attention
Seek emergency care immediately if you develop:
- Worsening breathlessness 1
- Persistent chest pain 1
- Confusion or inability to stay awake 1
- Oxygen saturation <94% on room air (if pulse oximeter available) 1
Important Caveats
What NOT to Do
- Avoid blind or inappropriate use of antibiotics unless there is clear evidence of secondary bacterial infection 3, 1
- Self-medication with antibiotics without medical supervision increases risk of antimicrobial resistance and can delay appropriate care 4
- Do not use NSAIDs as first-line fever management 1
Monitoring at Home
- Monitor vital signs if possible, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure 1
- Establish a treatment escalation plan immediately, as COVID-19 patients can deteriorate rapidly and require urgent hospital admission 1
Special Populations at Higher Risk for Self-Medication Errors
- Men, those living in rural areas, and those without academic degrees have higher likelihood of inappropriate self-medication 4
- Patients with diabetes showed higher rates of self-treatment versus medically supervised treatment 4
Mental Health Considerations
- More than 60% of COVID-19 patients may experience adverse mental states such as anxiety and depression 2
- For mild adverse mental states, practice psychological self-adjustment including breath relaxation training and mindfulness training 2
- Develop proper interests and maintain psychological well-being through mutual promoting activities 2
When to Transition from Self-Care to Medical Care
Contact a healthcare provider if: