Jasmin MerdanGetty Images
In the wake of the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant of Covid-19, one of the most exhausting parts for many people is the fact that just about any upper respiratory symptom makes everyone wonder, “Is it a cold? Are it allergies? “Am I just tired? Or is it Covid?” The Omicron variant added more confusion to the mix of this seemingly never-ending pandemic, as it does not quite match those of previous strains and variants.
You have probably heard the seemingly good news that most cases are mild and do not require hospitalization among vaccinated individuals.
“Fortunately, Omicron has caused less severe symptoms similar to seasonal allergies, such as runny nose, sore throat and fatigue,” says Suneet Singh, MD, an emergency medicine physician and medical director at CareHive Health in Austin, Texas. “Unlike previous variants, Omicron usually does not cause a loss of taste or smell.”
While the latter narrative symptoms have made it easier to determine if you have had Covid, the good news is that any of the above symptoms are fairly easy to treat at home, no matter what causes them.
Anyway, you still want to do the best you can to prevent getting infected at all, but it’s reassuring to know you can take steps to pull it off on your own if you, unfortunately, become infected. As such, we have consulted an expert on what to do if you have a mild infection that you need to treat at home.
Home treatment for Covid
If you experience any of the above symptoms that may indicate a mild or moderate case of Covid, Dr. Singh to:
- Get lots of rest
- Drink lots of water
- Take antipyretic medication as needed
“Most importantly, however, if you have any questions about your symptoms, contact your doctor,” he says. “Many providers now offer virtual care services that enable a safe and convenient way through telemedicine to guide you back on the path to health.”
When to See a Doctor About Covid
According to dr. Singh is the biggest red flag for all Covid variants the onset of breathing problems. It will typically feel like a heavy chest, combined with the inability to speak in full sentences, and the development of low oxygen levels. These are symptoms of severe cases of Covid, which will require hospital care with respiratory support and administration of medications such as Remdesivir, which is an FDA-approved antiviral medication that can only be administered via an IV.
Since the beginning of 2022, two new Covid medications, Paxlovid and Molnupiravir, have been approved by the FDA and introduced to the market, adds dr. Singh by.
“Both of these medications are strictly for outpatient use and are FDA approved for administration within the first five days of symptoms,” he explains. “At this time, they are restricted to people diagnosed with COVID and are at high risk for complications of the disease.” High-risk patients include those with weakened immune systems, heart disease, lung disease or diabetes.
The most important takeaway, however, is that people should reach out to their healthcare team to discuss whether one of these medications is suitable for their individual situation, says Dr. Singh.
The bottom line:Use your best judgment when it comes to handling a case of Covid at home. Stay in touch with your healthcare team to confirm that what you are dealing with is gentle and that you are taking appropriate action to prevent others from being exposed. And that can not be said enough: if you have not been vaccinated yet, make your appointment today.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported into this site to help users provide their email addresses. You may find more information about this and similar content at piano.io