The COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions worldwide, with many individuals experiencing mild to moderate symptoms while recovering at home. While medical care is essential for severe cases, several home remedies for COVID 19 can help alleviate symptoms and support recovery. In this blog, we’ll explore ten effective home remedies for managing COVID-19 symptoms and answers to frequently asked questions to help individuals navigate this challenging time.
Causes of Covid-19
- The causes of COVID-19 are primarily linked to the transmission of the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.
- The virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
- Close contact with an infected individual or touching contaminated surfaces can also lead to transmission.
- Factors such as crowded environments, poor ventilation, and lack of adherence to preventive measures like wearing masks and social distancing contribute to the spread of the virus.
- Additionally, asymptomatic carriers can unknowingly transmit the virus to others.
Symptoms of Covid-19
The symptoms of COVID-19 vary, but can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- shortness of breath
- fatigue
- body aches
- loss of taste or smell
- sore throat
- Congestion
- nausea and
- diarrhea
If you experience any of these symptoms, getting tested and following guidelines from health authorities to prevent the spread of the virus is essential.
How to treat Covid-19 at home?
- Begin by isolating yourself in a well-ventilated room.
- Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.
- Take over-the-counter medications to alleviate symptoms.
- Monitor your oxygen levels regularly.
- Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
- Practice good hygiene to prevent spreading the virus to others in your household.
Effective home remedies for Covid
Now let’s look into some of the natural remedies to treat Covid.
1. Hydration
Drinking fluids regularly becomes essential for a COVID-19 patient as he maintains proper body hydration, particularly when he has a fever or respiratory problems. Drink lots of water, herbal infusions, and clear coffee throughout the day to sustain body hydration and help improve immune activity.
2. Rest
Adequate sleep is paramount for your body’s health and thriving during illnesses. Spend as much time in bed as possible, taking pauses or resting during the day to replenish your power and standardize the recovery process.
3. Steam Inhalation
One of the benefits of steam, in general, is that it helps decongest the nasal cavity, thus reducing phlegm and coughing. Furthermore, steam inhalation is known to relieve sinus pressure associated with COVID-19. Mental image: Bend over a steaming bowl, the towel covering your head, and breathe in deeply. Use the hot steam for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Gargling with Salt Water
Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat and reduce inflammation. Combine some salt with a cup of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds; afterward, spit out the solution.
5. Honey and Lemon
Natural healing items such as honey and lemon can calm down an irritated throat and cough. Add a teaspoon of honey and the juice of one-half lemon to warm water, and then drink it twice or thrice in one day.
6. Ginger Tea
Besides that, ginger contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help manage nausea, sore throat, and respiratory symptoms. Consume tea while peeling ginger root or with ginger tea bags to help soothe ginger throughout the day.
7. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a much sought-after vitamin linked to the immune system and can significantly help reduce the duration and severity of the common cold and flu. Consume vitamin C-rich foods, such as oranges, kiwis, strawberries, and bell peppers, or take vitamin C supplements.
8. Zinc Supplements
Zinc is a trace mineral important in the immune system’s functioning and in the mildness of respiratory infections. It has the potential to reduce their severity. Adhere to the dosage instructions closely or incorporate zinc-rich foods into your menu, such as meat, seafood, lentils, and so on.
9. Turmeric Milk
Curcumin, a compound in turmeric, has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, which help reduce inflammation. Take a glass of warm milk with one teaspoon of turmeric powder 15-30 minutes before bedtime to ease anxiety and bolster immune health.
How to prevent Covid-19?
Individual personal actions and a larger scale of whole community efforts aim to slow down the transmission of COVID-19. Here are some key measures to help prevent the transmission of the virus.
1. Vaccination
Get vaccinated against the COVID-19 infection as soon as vaccines are developed. A COVID-19 vaccination drastically lowers the chances of developing a severe disease, being hospitalized, and dying. It is also a significant factor in the prevention of the virus spread across communities.
2. Masking
Shield yourself with a mask in public indoors, particularly in clusters of the virus or in enclosed areas where maintaining a distance might be risky. Opt for masks that sit tight across your nose brim with a double layer or a pocketed face covering that can be reused by adding additional layers.
3. Hand Hygiene
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after visiting crowded areas, touching surfaces, or covering your mouth (after coughing or sneezing). If soap and water are not close by, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content to disinfect your hands.
4. Social Distancing
Make sure you follow the physical distancing rules: do at least two meters from other people, especially in public places and closed spaces. Aim to keep at least six feet distance from persons who are not a member of your household and thus steer clear of crowds and gatherings, particularly if they occur indoors.
5. Avoid Close Contact
Avoid the people around you when you are either unwell or have symptoms of COVID-19. Follow the advice of health experts on how to quarantine or isolate when you have come in contact with an infectious person or tested positive for the virus.
FAQ on effective home remedies for Covid
1. Can these home remedies cure COVID-19?
While these home remedies can help alleviate symptoms and support recovery, they are not a cure for COVID-19. Following public health guidelines, seeking medical care if symptoms worsen, and getting vaccinated to protect yourself and others from the virus are essential.
2. Are there any specific foods to avoid when sick with COVID-19?
Avoid foods that can exacerbate inflammation or irritate the throat, such as spicy or acidic foods, fried foods, and excessive sugar. Stick to gentle, easy-to-digest foods like soups, broths, fruits, and vegetables.
3. When should I seek medical care for COVID-19 symptoms?
If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, bluish lips or face, or persistent high fever, seek medical care immediately. These symptoms may indicate a severe case of COVID-19 and require urgent medical attention.
4. Can I take over-the-counter medications for COVID-19 symptoms?
Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help alleviate fever, body aches, and headaches associated with COVID-19. However, following the recommended dosage and consulting with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or underlying health conditions is essential.
5. How long should I isolate at home if I have COVID-19?
If you test positive for COVID-19, it’s essential to isolate at home for at least ten days from the onset of symptoms or from the date of your positive test result, whichever is later. Follow public health guidelines and consult with your healthcare provider for guidance on when it’s safe to resume normal activities.