What should I do if I get the Coronavirus? It’s a question I haven’t heard enough people ask. We’ve all heard what to do to prevent the spread: social distancing, hand washing, etc. But what should you do if you actually come down with Coronavirus? Below is the best medical advice out there right now from doctors and nurses.
What should you have stocked at the house ahead of time? Tissues, Acetaminophen/Tylenol, Ibuprofen/Advil, Mucinex, Robitussin or DayQuil/NyQuil, or whatever your preference of flu medicine is. A a humidifier is a plus. If you have a history of asthma and you have a prescription inhaler, make sure the one you have isn’t expired and refill it. Prepare as though you know you’re going to get bronchitis or pneumonia.
A fever over 101: Alternate Tylenol and Advil dosing every 3 hours. Use Mucinex. Don’t suppress your cough… you want to loosen chest, get that mucus out. Keep hydrating; electrolyte type drinks, half and half with water. Rest lots. If you’re sick, do not leave your house except to go to the doctor, and if you do, wear a mask. You don’t need to go to the ER unless you are having trouble breathing or your fever is high and unmanaged with medication.
Most healthy adult cases have been managed at home with rest/hydration/over-the-counter meds. The hospital beds will be used for people who need oxygen/breathing treatments/IV fluids. One major relief to you parents is that kids do okay with coronavirus— they usually bounce back in a few days, no one under 18 has died. Just use pediatric dosing of the same meds. For those with heart or lung conditions, diabetes, or compromised immune systems, you need to take additional precautions. Contact your primary care physician for more guidance for your specific conditions.
