How to Take Care of Common COVID-19 Symptoms

Sick man with a scarf around his neck sitting on a couch and holding a hot beverage with his hand

If you find yourself sick at home with COVID-19, you may be looking for some at-home treatments to help. COVID-19 is an upper respiratory infection that mainly affects the lungs, causing cough and shortness of breath. However, it may also cause other symptoms, including: 1,8

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Achy muscles and joints
  • Nausea/vomiting

You may be wondering, how long do COVID-19 symptoms last? In mild cases, symptoms typically clear up in one to two weeks, but in more severe cases they can last up to six weeks or longer.2 To help you feel better while recovering, here are some treatments for COVID-19 symptom relief.

At-Home COVID-19 Treatments

Typically, with viral infections like COVID-19, they have to run their course. However, there are some easy steps you can take at home to help relieve symptoms.

It’s important to stay hydrated when sick. Fevers cause sweating, which may lead to dehydration. Drinking fluids can also keep your throat moistened, helping relieve a sore throat and cough. Try to drink water or juice over coffee and sugary drinks, as these help you hydrate more. For sore throats, warm beverages like broth or tea, or frozen treats like popsicles can help.4

It’s best to get plenty of rest when home sick. This gives your body the energy it needs to fight the virus. Sleep is an important part of keeping your immune system healthy and functioning. If you’re having trouble sleeping, try taking a warm bath before bed to relax, and use a humidifier in your room to help with coughing and congestion. Propping your head up with an extra pillow can also help you breathe easier.5

Over-the-Counter Treatments for COVID-19 Symptoms

Over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers provide temporary symptomatic relief of COVID-19 symptoms, but do not cure COVID-19. s. Health authorities in Canada and USA, including Health Canada, provincial health authorities, and the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends pain relievers and fever reducers like TYLENOL® (which contains the active ingredient acetaminophen), or ibuprofen, for COVID-19 headache pain relief, along with the relief of fever and body aches and pains.6-9

To help relieve sore throats and cough, you can use cough medicine, cough drops, and lozenges. These help to soothe the throat and limit coughing to help you breathe easier.4 If you’re congested or have a runny nose, cold medicine may also help.

To be sure any TYLENOL® product is right for you, always read and follow the label.

IMPORTANT: Take ONLY ONE medicine at a time containing acetaminophen.

References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms. March 22, 2022. Accessed from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
  2. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Coronavirus Diagnosis: What Should I Expect? January 24, 2022. Accessed from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/diagnosed-with-covid-19-what-to-expect
  3. Mayo Clinic. Fever. May 7, 2022. Accessed from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20352759
  4. University of Maryland Medical System. Treating COVID at Home. April 14, 2022. Accessed from: https://www.umms.org/coronavirus/diagnosis-symptoms/treat-covid-at-home
  5. American Sleep Association. COVID-19 and Sleep. Accessed from: https://www.sleepassociation.org/about-sleep/covid-19-and-sleep/
  6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19 Treatments and Medications. April 29, 2022. Accessed from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/treatments-for-severe-illness.html
  7. Government of Canada. COVID-19: Symptoms, treatment, what to do if you feel sick. July 18, 2022. Accessed from: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/symptoms.html
  8. Gouvernement du Québec. Self-Care Guide - COVID-19. November 3, 2022. Accessed from: https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/self-care-guide-covid-19
  9. Government of Alberta. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Care instructions. March 14, 2023. Accessed from: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/health/AfterCareInformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ack9673ahs

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