Most people who become sick with COVID-19 will only experience mild illness and can recover at home. Symptoms might last a few days, and people who have the virus might feel better in about a week. Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms, and includes rest, fluid intake and pain relievers.

However, older adults and people of any age with existing medical conditions should call doctors or nurses as soon as symptoms start. These factors put people at greater risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19.

Carefully monitor yourself for worsening symptoms. If symptoms appear to be getting worse, immediately call the doctor.

The Ministry of Health recommends the use of Paracetamol or Ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains. Paracetamol or Ibuprofen is usually recommended as the first-line of treatment for adults and children.

Adults have a fever if a thermometer says their temperature is higher than 38°C. If you have fever, muscle pain or headache, take Paracetamol. The usual dose for adults is one 500mg tablet, up to 4 times in 24 hours. Always leave at least 4 to 6 hours between doses. The patients could take Ore-sol if they eat poorly or drinks instead of water.

Your child has a fever when their temperature reads above 38.5°C on a thermometer. The intervention is the provision of, and advice to give, the medicines for up to 48 hours: Paracetamol every 4-6 hours (maximum of four doses in 24 hours) and Ibuprofen every 6-8 hours (maximum of three doses in 24 hours). Parents are blinded to treatment allocation by the use of identically matched placebo medicines. The dose of medicine is determined by the child's weight: Paracetamol 15 mg/kg and Ibuprofen 10 mg/kg per dose.

Paracetamol is an effective treatment for mild to moderate pain and fever in adults and children, when used as directed in product information. Paracetamol is the safest non-prescription pain medication but taking too much can cause your liver damage. If you cannot use Paracetamol, you can take Ibuprofen with 200 or 400mg tablets.

Taking Paracetamol and antibiotics two times a day but fever is not coming down, the patients should immediately contact doctors or nurses for medical advice.

In addition, to care for yourself to recover at home, follow these steps:

 - Maintain a daily routine, including showering and getting dressed.

 - Eat healthy meals.

 - Get lots of rest

 - Drink plenty of fluids (including Oresol, Electrolyte packets, coconut water, porridge, salty lemon water) to avoid dehydration – drink enough so your pee is light yellow and clear

 - Exercise.

  - Get plenty of sleep.

  - Stretching, breathe deeply or meditate.

  - Focus on enjoyable activities.

Under the guidance of the Health Ministry, the patients can end home isolation if:

At least 7 days have passed since your positive antigen test result, and you test negative for coronavirus. You will be eligible for getting a recovery certificate from your local medical station. But if your test is positive, fully-vaccinated people should remain self-isolated for 3 more days, and those who have received just one dose should stay at home for 7 more days.

Reporting by H.D – translating by H.L