Tessa Quinn
Most people who contract COVID-19 experience mild illness and are able to recover at home without medical intervention. However, some individuals may develop severe cases that require hospitalization. The recovery process can vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the presence of underlying health conditions. Here's an overview of how to recover from COVID-19 without hospitalization. Firstly, it's important to isolate yourself from others until your symptoms improve and you are fever-free without medication. Staying hydrated is crucial, so drink plenty of water and other fluids. Consume healthy and easily digestible foods like chicken noodle soup, leafy greens, crackers, eggs, and bananas to provide your body with the necessary nutrients. Avoid dairy, sugary drinks, and processed foods, as they can aggravate nausea and hinder your recovery. Monitor your symptoms, and if they worsen or persist, don't hesitate to contact your doctor.
How to Recover from Corona Without Hospitalization
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Isolation | Stay isolated from others until your symptoms improve and you are fever-free for 24 hours without medication. |
| Mask | Wear a mask, even at home, to reduce the spread of the virus within your household. |
| Hygiene | Keep your dishes, towels, and bedding separate. Wash your hands frequently and disinfect surfaces. |
| Hydration | Drink plenty of water. Other options include orange juice, low-sugar sports drinks, tea, and vegetable juice. |
| Nutrition | Eat healthy foods rich in vitamins and nutrients. Avoid sugary and highly processed foods. Chicken noodle soup is recommended for congestion. |
| Fever | Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to lower your fever and relieve body aches. |
| Rest | Get plenty of rest and monitor your health. Contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen or persist for more than a few weeks. |
| Planning | Have a plan in place in case hospitalization is necessary. Prepare a printed copy of your medical history, medications, and allergies. |
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What You'll Learn
Eat healthy foods and limit sugary or highly processed foods
Eating healthy foods and limiting sugary or highly processed foods is crucial for recovering from COVID-19. The virus takes a toll on your body, and providing it with the right nutrients is essential to help it heal and regain strength.
Firstly, it's important to eat calorie-dense foods to boost your energy levels. Include whole grains like wheat, millets, oats, and brown rice in your diet. Starchy roots such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, and tapioca are also excellent sources of energy. These foods also benefit your immune system.
Secondly, focus on protein-rich foods. Aim for 75-100 grams of protein per day. Good sources of protein include legumes, lentils, dairy products, soy, nuts, seeds, meat, fish, eggs, beans, pulses, and meat alternatives like Quorn or tofu. These foods will help maintain your muscle strength and support your immune system.
Fruits and vegetables are also vital components of a healthy recovery diet. Aim for 2 cups of fruits and 2.5 cups of vegetables daily. Citrus fruits like oranges, kiwis, strawberries, and guava are packed with vitamin C, which helps form antibodies and speeds up recovery. Green vegetables, carrots, and gourds are excellent for triggering your immune system. Herbs and spices also have impressive immune-boosting properties due to their high antioxidant content.
In addition to the above, consume healthy fats like unsaturated fatty acids found in nuts and oils such as olive, sunflower, gingelly, soy, canola, and corn oils. Avoid saturated fats like fatty meats, processed meats, butter, cream, cheese, and ghee. Limit trans fats found in processed foods, fast food, deep-fried snacks, and baked goods.
While recovering, it's best to avoid sugary and highly processed foods. These include cookies, cakes, chocolates, sodas, and other high-sugar snacks. Instead, opt for nutritious alternatives like fruits and nuts to satisfy your sweet tooth.
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Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is crucial when recovering from COVID-19. When you're sick, it's common to experience low energy and appetite, which can lead to dehydration if you're not careful. Drinking plenty of fluids will help you recover faster and relieve congestion. Water is always a good choice, but you can also try 100% orange juice, low-sugar sports drinks, black or green tea, and 100% vegetable juice. Broth, Pedialyte, or popsicles can also help with hydration and make the process more enjoyable.
It's best to avoid dairy products, as they can be hard to digest and may aggravate nausea. Instead, opt for easy-to-digest foods like chicken noodle soup, which can help with hydration and provide energy in the form of protein. Leafy green vegetables, crackers, eggs, bananas, apples, and other lean proteins are also good choices.
If you're experiencing a cough, take small sips of liquid to help ease the symptom. Staying hydrated is especially important if you're dealing with a persistent cough, as it can help soothe your throat and relieve the urge to cough. Remember to listen to your body and drink fluids even if you don't feel like eating.
In addition to staying hydrated, it's essential to get plenty of rest and eat healthy foods. Your body needs time to recover, so make sure to take it easy and give yourself the time you need to heal. If you're having trouble breathing or experiencing severe symptoms, don't hesitate to contact your doctor. They can provide guidance and support throughout your recovery journey.
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Take medication to lower your fever
While fever is the body's natural defence mechanism to fight off infections, it can make you feel weak, achy, and uncomfortable. If you have a fever due to COVID-19, you can take medication to lower it. Here are some tips for managing a fever:
Medication
If you have a fever or body aches, you can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce your temperature. These medications are easily accessible over the counter and can help manage your fever until the virus resolves. However, it is important to note that fever-reducing medications should not be used to determine whether your COVID-19 symptoms are improving. The CDC recommends isolation until your symptoms improve and you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
Hydration
It is crucial to stay hydrated when you have a fever. Drink plenty of water or other fluids such as decaffeinated tea with honey, juice, or broth. Chicken and beef broth contain salt and protein, which help keep you hydrated with electrolytes and nutrients. For children, a few tablespoons of water every 10 minutes can ensure adequate hydration.
Rest
Let your body rest and relax. Avoid physical activity and get plenty of sleep. This helps your body focus on fighting the infection and recovering.
Clothing
Wear light and breathable clothing. This allows the excess body heat to escape, providing some relief. Avoid bundling up or using heavy blankets, as this can increase your body temperature and cause overheating.
Lukewarm Bath
Instead of a hot bath or shower, try a lukewarm water bath. A hot bath may worsen your fever, while a lukewarm bath can help with better fever management.
Remember, if your fever persists or you experience additional symptoms, seek medical advice. For adults, a persistent temperature above 103°F, along with symptoms like headache, nausea, abdominal pain, or mental status changes, warrants a trip to the doctor.
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Isolate and wear a mask
If you have COVID-19, it is important to isolate and wear a mask to prevent the spread of the virus to others. The CDC recommends that you isolate from others until your symptoms improve and you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. During this time, it is important to wear a mask, even when around others in your household.
To effectively isolate, try your best to stay in a separate room and use a separate bathroom if possible. Do not leave your home for any reason, including work, school, or public places. If you can, work from home. Do not go out to get food or medicine; instead, order them online or by phone, or ask someone to bring them to your home. Avoid indoor gatherings and holiday parties. If you have a garden, it is safe to exercise there.
If you have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19, you should also isolate if you are not fully vaccinated. If you have received your second dose of the vaccine at least 14 days ago, you do not need to isolate, but you should take a lateral flow test daily for seven days or until 10 days since your last contact with the person who tested positive.
The self-isolation period for people who test positive for COVID-19 is typically around seven to ten days. This includes the day your symptoms started or the day you had the test if you did not have symptoms. If you tested positive but never experienced symptoms, you may stop isolating 10 days after your positive test if you remain symptom-free. If you had symptoms, you may stop isolating 10 days after your positive test if you haven't had a fever for at least 24 hours without medication and your symptoms are improving.
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Monitor your health and contact your doctor if symptoms worsen
Most people who contract COVID-19 are able to recover at home without medical intervention. However, it's important to monitor your health and be vigilant about contacting your doctor if your symptoms worsen.
The average recovery time for mild or normal cases of COVID-19 is between one and two weeks. During this time, it's important to keep an eye on your symptoms and be aware of any changes in your condition. For example, if you had a fever for several days and are now fever-free without medication, that's a positive sign that your body is fighting off the infection. Similarly, the disappearance of body aches, a sore throat, or a headache indicates that you're on the mend. As your body recovers, you'll also start to feel more energetic.
However, COVID-19 symptoms can sometimes persist or even worsen. Some people experience a lingering cough, while others may develop acute respiratory distress syndrome, which severely impacts their ability to breathe. If your symptoms are severe or last longer than a few weeks, it's crucial to consult your doctor. They can provide guidance and determine if further medical attention is necessary.
Additionally, certain individuals are at a higher risk of developing serious complications from COVID-19. If you have underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, your chances of experiencing severe illness requiring hospitalisation, ICU admission, or mechanical ventilation increase significantly. Age is also a factor, with older adults being more susceptible to severe COVID-19 symptoms and complications. Therefore, it's essential to closely monitor your health and keep your doctor informed about any changes or worsening of symptoms.
In the event that your condition deteriorates and hospitalisation becomes necessary, it's helpful to have a plan in place. This includes having a printed copy of your medical history, a list of medications and allergies, and important contact information readily available. By staying vigilant and keeping your doctor informed, you can ensure that you receive the care you need during your recovery journey.
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Frequently asked questions
The average recovery time for those with mild or normal cases of COVID-19 is between one and two weeks. Recovery time can vary from person to person and depends on the severity of symptoms.
Here are some ways to recover from COVID-19 at home:
- Eat healthy foods. Fuel your body with vitamins and nutrients.
- Limit sugary or highly processed foods.
- Drink lots of fluids.
- Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to lower a fever.
- Stay hydrated and take small sips of liquid if you feel a coughing spell coming on.
- Drink 100% orange juice, low-sugar sports drinks, black or green tea, and 100% vegetable juice.
- Skip the milk, soda, alcohol, and coffee.
- Eat chicken noodle soup to relieve congestion.
- Eat leafy green vegetables, crackers, eggs, bananas, apples, and any lean proteins.
- Honey can soothe a sore throat and relieve a cough.
Here are some ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within your household:
- Wear a mask, even at home.
- Use separate dishes, towels, and bedding.
- Isolate yourself from other household members.
- Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Monitor your health.
