Coping With Coronavirus

Overview

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an illness caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. It spreads mainly through tiny droplets and particles that leave a person's mouth or nose when they breathe, talk, cough, or sneeze. Coping with coronavirus means looking after yourself if you have a mild illness, lowering the chance of passing it on, and knowing when to ask for medical help. Many people feel better within a week or two, but some can become more unwell.

Yes. Coronavirus has spread widely around the world. Many people have had it, and many have been vaccinated.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Dry or chesty cough
• High temperature or fever
• Feeling very tired
• Sore throat
• Runny or blocked nose
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Loss or change in smell or taste
• Feeling sick, being sick, or loose stools
• Breathing that feels harder than usual, especially with activity

Symptoms in children

• Often mild, like a cold
• Fever, cough, sore throat, or runny nose
• Tummy upset, vomiting, or loose stools
• Tiredness or poor appetite
• Some children have no symptoms
• Rarely, children can become very unwell. Trust your instincts and seek urgent help if they are floppy, confused, struggling to breathe, or have blue lips.

Symptoms in older adults

• Usual symptoms such as cough and fever
• Confusion or new forgetfulness
• Falls or new weakness
• Poor appetite, not drinking, or dehydration
• Worsening of existing heart or lung problems
• Sometimes symptoms are less obvious, so watch for any sudden change.

Causes

Main causes

• Infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
• Breathing in tiny droplets or particles from someone who has the virus, especially indoors.
• Close contact with an infected person, such as living together or caring for them.
• Touching a surface with the virus and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth is possible but less common.

Risk factors

• Older age
• A weakened immune system
• Long-term conditions such as heart, lung, kidney, liver, or blood conditions, diabetes, or obesity
• Pregnancy
• Smoking or vaping
• Living in crowded housing or working in a setting with close contact
• Not having up-to-date coronavirus vaccination
• Being in poorly ventilated indoor spaces for long periods

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Call your local emergency number for the emergency symptoms listed above.
• Contact a doctor or urgent health service the same day if you have new or worsening breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, dehydration, or if a high-risk person in your care is getting worse.
• If you are pregnant and have symptoms, ask your maternity or health service for advice the same day.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Symptoms are not improving after about a week, or you feel worse after day 5
• A cough or tiredness lasts more than 3 to 4 weeks
• You have questions about testing, isolation, or vaccination
• Your mental health is being affected and you need support
• You have a long-term condition and are unsure what to do

Diagnosis

Doctors and nurses often diagnose coronavirus from your symptoms and a test. A test can confirm it. If you are very unwell, they may check your breathing, oxygen level, and other signs.

Tests that may be done

• Rapid antigen test (lateral flow test): a quick test, often done at home, that gives a result in minutes.
• PCR test: a lab test that looks for the virus's genetic material. It is more accurate and may take a day or more.
• Oxygen level check: a small clip on your finger, called a pulse oximeter, if your doctor thinks you need it.
• Blood tests or a chest X-ray: only if you are more unwell or have complications.

What to expect at your appointment

A home test is quick and simple. A clinic test may involve a swab of your nose or throat. If your test is negative but you still feel unwell, or your symptoms get worse, contact your local health service for advice. You do not usually need to see a doctor if your illness is mild and you are improving.

Treatment

Most people with coronavirus can care for themselves at home. The aim is to rest, keep drinking, and watch for signs that you need help. People at higher risk may be offered extra treatment, so tell your doctor early if you are in a high-risk group.

Self-care at home

• Rest as much as you need. Sleep helps your body recover.
• Drink water often. Small sips are fine if you feel sick.
• Eat small, simple meals if your appetite is low.
• Ask a pharmacist or doctor whether any over-the-counter medicine for fever or aches is safe for you. Do not take more than the label says.
• Keep rooms aired out by opening a window or using ventilation.
• Stay away from others while you have a fever and feel unwell, following local guidance.
• Wash your hands often and cover coughs and sneezes.
• Do not smoke or vape. This harms your lungs.
• Check your symptoms once or twice a day, but do not keep checking every few minutes.

Medical treatments

There is no single medicine that cures coronavirus for everyone. Treatment is mostly supportive: rest, fluids, and help with symptoms. For some people at high risk, doctors may consider specific treatments, such as antiviral medicines, based on national guidance and the person's health. Antibiotics do not work on viruses and should only be used if a doctor prescribes them for a bacterial infection. If you become very unwell, hospital care can include oxygen, fluids, and close monitoring.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not a treatment for coronavirus infection. Rarely, specialists may need to treat a complication, but this is not common and would be decided by a hospital team.

Living with this condition

Plan for a few days of rest. Keep water, simple food, and any agreed medicines near you. If you live with others, try to sleep in a separate room and use a separate bathroom if you can. Wear a face covering if you must be near others. Ask someone to check on you by phone. Keep a note of your temperature and how your breathing feels, but do not obsess over it.

Lifestyle tips

• Get plenty of sleep.
• Move gently when you feel able, such as walking around your room.
• Avoid alcohol while you are unwell.
• Do not smoke or vape.
• Stay connected with friends and family by phone or video.
• Follow local advice about staying home and testing.

Diet and exercise

Eat regular, balanced meals if you can. Soup, toast, fruit, yoghurt, and simple meals are fine. Drink enough that your urine is pale yellow. Do not do hard exercise while you have a fever or feel very tired. Start with short walks and build up slowly. If exercise makes your breathing worse, stop and rest.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Being ill and separated from others can feel lonely, boring, or scary. It is normal to feel worried or low. Keep in touch with people you trust, take breaks from news, and be kind to yourself. If you feel hopeless, very anxious, or have thoughts of harming yourself, contact a doctor or local crisis service right away. If you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number.

Prevention

You can lower the risk, but no single step is perfect. Vaccination, hand washing, good airflow, and staying home when unwell all help.

Vaccines

Coronavirus vaccines are recommended according to local guidance. They are very good at lowering the risk of severe illness and hospital care. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist whether you are up to date. Vaccines do not stop every infection, but they make serious illness less likely.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for coronavirus in people without symptoms unless local health guidance advises it. Testing is used when you have symptoms, have been in close contact, or before certain medical procedures. Follow the advice of your local health service.

Complications

If left untreated

• Some people develop pneumonia, a lung infection that makes breathing harder.
• Low oxygen levels, which can make you feel very tired or confused.
• Blood clots, which can be serious.
• Worsening of existing heart, lung, or kidney problems.
• Long COVID: symptoms such as tiredness, cough, or brain fog (trouble thinking clearly) that last weeks or months.
• Rarely, severe inflammation (swelling inside the body) in children or adults.

Long-term outlook

Most people recover fully from coronavirus. Some have a slow recovery or lingering symptoms, and support is available. If you are in a high-risk group, getting advice early can make a big difference. Take things one day at a time.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.