Here's how you can treat your case of mild Covid-19

What’s medically classified as a ‘mild’ case of Covid-19 might not always feel mild, but nasal spray and other classic cold remedies can help with the symptoms. — dpa

A “mild” case of coronavirus won’t always feel so mild, even if the doctors call it that.

You might be vaccinated, but you can’t assume a Covid-19 infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron viral variant will be a piece of cake.

If you’re feeling symptoms, there are lots of things you can do, experts say.

New coronavirus infections are more frequent than ever in some parts of the world as the highly transmissible Omicron variant continues its spread globally.

While many cases are comparatively mild, Omicron can still cause nasty symptoms and severe disease.

If you’re infected and in home quarantine, it’s easy to get worried and wonder: What does that cough mean? Am I starting to have difficulty breathing?

And if you have symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or fever, you may be unsure whether you can rely on the same remedies you turn to when you’re laid up with the flu.

Stay calm

German College of General Practitioners and Family Physicians (DEGAM) president Dr Martin Scherer is familiar with Covid-19 patients’ questions and concerns.

His main piece of advice for those self-isolating at home is to stay calm.

In regard to assessing your symptoms, he offers the following guideline: “A mild case will feel like a cold.

“If you have anything beyond that – if you feel really ill, in other words – you should consult your GP (general practitioner).”

Possible warning signs that should be checked out include a feeling of total exhaustion, high fever, constant coughing and shortness of breath, according to Dr Scherer.

An elevated respiratory rate without shortness of breath can be a warning sign as well.

A healthy adult at rest normally takes 12 to 16 breaths a minute.

Common treatments are fine

What can help alleviate mild symptoms?

Dr Scherer says the classic household remedies for a runny nose, scratchy throat or fatigue will also bring relief to Covid-19 patients.

Fever and pain can be combated with medications such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, the choice depending on whether or not you have certain allergies or pre-existing conditions.

“If you’ve got a kidney disorder, for example, it’s better to take paracetamol,” he says.

For nasal congestion, he simply recommends nasal spray, and you can suck on throat lozenges for a scratchy throat.

While there’s no reason for Covid-19 patients not to do steam inhalations, Dr Scherer generally doesn’t recommend them as he regards other means of loosening mucus, such as a nasal spray, as more effective.

But if steam inhalation does you good, then go ahead.

The same goes for having a hot bath.

“If you like having baths, it can be pleasant,” he remarks.

Other than that, the standard advice given to flu sufferers applies here too: Rest and drink plenty of fluids.

Resume activities gradually

And when have you recovered from your bout of Covid-19?

“If you’ve spent seven or eight days at home, your symptoms have subsided, and the result of a rapid antigen test is negative, you can assume that you’ve got it behind you,” Dr Scherer says.

Once you’ve returned to health, you may be unsure when and to what degree you can resume physical exertion.

If you’ve tested negative for the SARS-CoV-2 virus and feel physically fit again, you can gradually get back to exercise and sport, he says, but notes that your lungs may still feel somewhat “coated”.

This is no cause for alarm, however, because “we know that many viral infections affect the bronchial tubes for quite a while”.

Besides cautiously resuming strenuous physical activity, it’s important not to do so in the face of lingering symptoms.

“If you start running and then can’t stop coughing, for example, you shouldn’t ignore it,” Dr Scherer warns.

Rather, you should have it checked out. – dpa