What to do if you have Covid-19

Just like the common cold, flu and most sore throats, COVID-19 is caused by a virus. Therefore, antibiotics are of no use and can in fact increase the risk of a resistant infection later in life.

What to do?

There is no specific treatment for Covid-19. However, the following steps are recommended to relieve the symptoms:

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Rest
• Take over-the-counter pain relief if necessary

What about antibiotics?

It is a myth that you need an antibiotic at the first sign of a cold or flu.
Just like the common cold, flu and most sore throats, Covid-19 is caused by a virus. Therefore, antibiotics are of no use and can in fact increase the risk of a resistant infection later in life.

If symptoms get worse with breathing difficulties, worsening of cough and a high fever, pneumonia should be ruled out and therefore, a visit to the hospital or doctor is warranted.

If a person is diagnosed with a coronavirus infection, the following steps should be taken to prevent others from getting sick:

• Stay at home (self-isolation for up to 14 days until symptoms disappear)
• Wear a facemask when you are around other people
• Do not share cutleries, towels, bedding, or other items with people in the household
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue, not your hands
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
• Do not panic. There is hope! Scientists around the world are working tirelessly to find a vaccine. There are at least five drugs in clinical trials already.
• Do your civic duty and watch out for vulnerable people, including the elderly and those with compromised immune system.

Prepared by:
Dr Reshma Ramracheya
Research Scientist & University Research Lecturer at the University of Oxford
Senior Research Fellow at Wolfson College, University of Oxford
Reshma.ramracheya@ocdem.ox.ac.uk