Skip to main content
NHS logo
  • Home
  • Coronavirus vaccine
  • Information and support
  • COVID-19 self-care
  • Testimonials
  • News
Home > COVID-19 self-care
  • Home
  • Coronavirus vaccine
  • Information and support
  • COVID-19 self-care
  • Testimonials
  • News

Search...

Page last updated: 11 March, 2021, 1:13pm

COVID-19 self-care

How to treat coronavirus symptoms at home

Temperature

  • Get lots of rest.
  • Drink plenty of fluids (water is best) to avoid dehydration – drink enough so your pee is light yellow and clear.
  • Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you feel uncomfortable

Cough

  • Lie on your side or sit upright instead. Avoid lying on your back.
  • Try having a teaspoon of honey to help ease a cough. But do not give honey to babies under 12 months.

If this does not help, ask a non-isolating friend or family member to seek advice from a pharmacist on your behalf.

Breathless

  • Keep your room cool. Try turning the heating down or opening a window. DO NOT use a fan as it may spread the virus.
  • Try breathing slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth, with your lips together.
  • Sit upright in a chair relaxing your shoulders.
  • Lean forward slightly – support yourself by putting your hands on your knees or on something stable like a chair

Try to stay calm if you’re feeling breathless. Anxiety can make it worse

Do not go to a pharmacy

If you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms, you must all stay at home.

If you’re concerned about your symptoms and need medical advice, use the
NHS 111 online coronavirus service.

Getting help while you’re staying at home

Support is available to help you while you have to stay at home (self-isolate).

Essex Wellbeing Service

Call 0300 303 9988 8am to 7pm (Mon to Friday), 10am to 2pm (Weekends)

COVID-19 Self Care Poster (Essex)Download

Southend Coronavirus Action

Call 01702 212 497 9am to 5pm (Monday to Friday) 10am to 2pm (Weekends)

COVID-19 Self Care Poster (Southend)Download

Thurrock Coronavirus Community Action

Call 01375 511 002 9am to 3pm (Monday to Friday only)

COVID-19 Self Care Poster (Thurrock)Download
Mid and South Essex Health and Care Partnership logo

Commissioned by:
Mid and South Essex Health and Care Partnership,
Phoenix House, Christopher Martin Road, Basildon, Essex SS14 3HG

© Copyright Mid and South Essex Health and Care Partnership 2021

Lovingly crafted by Mixd

Cookie Usage Policy
This website uses a combination of essential and non-essential cookies to improve your on-site experience.
Cookie settingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The cookies that are categorised as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyse and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies.

Necessary
Always Enabled

Some cookies are essential for you to be able to experience the full functionality of our site. For example, they allow us to maintain user sessions and prevent security threats. They do not collect or store any personal information.

Non-necessary

These are the cookies that help certain non-essential functionalities on our website. For example, analytics tools to measure how you use the website so we can improve it based on user needs. This could include anonymous information of how you got to the site, the pages you visit and how long you spend on each page.