Treating COVID-19 symptoms at home
If you develop symptoms such as severe shortness of breath or chest pain, call triple zero (000) immediately. Tell the call handler and the paramedics on arrival if you have COVID-19.
How is COVID-19 treated and how do I relieve my symptoms?
Most adults with a mild case of COVID-19 can treat their symptoms in a similar way to how they treat a seasonal flu. That is, rest at home, take paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve pain and fevers, to keep hydrated and take cough medicine if needed.
However, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved certain medicines for the treatment of COVID-19 in Australia.
Learn more here about COVID-19 medications.
Adults with severe COVID-19 symptoms may need to be treated in hospital with corticosteroids, antivirals, and other drugs depending on how severe their symptoms are.
Medicines such as antibiotics, ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine are not effective against the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 and are not approved for the treatment of COVID-19 in Australia.
ANTIVIRAL ELIGIBILITY — Use the COVID-19 Symptom and Antiviral Eligibility Checker to find out if you may be eligible for antiviral medication.
Medicine recall
All products containing pholcodine have been recalled from pharmacies for safety reasons. Pholcodine is most commonly used in cough syrups and lozenge products.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives.
If you need general anaesthesia and have taken pholcodine in the past 12 months, tell your healthcare professional before your procedure.
For more information, visit Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
How can I help manage my symptoms?
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19. It can make you feel overwhelmingly tired, physically and mentally.
To manage fatigue, you should try to maintain a healthy diet, stay well hydrated and avoid lifting heavy items.
Stay hydrated if you have a persistent cough or trouble catching your breath. You can get temporary relief by using steam inhalation to help clear mucus and phlegm. Remember that sipping warm fluids can also help soothe a sore throat.
If you are feeling breathless while recovering from COVID-19 it is important that you remain calm — stress and anxiety can increase your heart rate, which only increases your breathing rate and breathlessness.
You can also adopt positions that reduce breathlessness such as lying flat on your stomach or lying on your side propped up by a pillow or leaning with your back straight up against a wall with your feet slightly apart.
In general, you should avoid smoking when recovering from COVID-19 and make sure that your room has good air circulation. It is also important to get plenty of sleep each night.
How do I monitor my symptoms?
Most people can manage COVID-19 at home. Those who have mild COVID-19 symptoms may be advised that it is safe for them to manage their symptoms at home, instead of going to hospital.
If you’re managing COVID-19 at home, it’s important to continually monitor your symptoms, or the symptoms of the person you’re caring for.
Learn about how to monitor COVID-19 symptoms at home.
When should I seek medical advice?
You should contact your GP if you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 and you’re pregnant, have any chronic conditions or have any concerns about your health.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has developed a guide for people managing COVID at home. It includes a COVID-19 action plan and a diary that you can use to track your symptoms.
While managing COVID-19 symptoms at home, ask yourself these questions 3 times a day — morning, afternoon and night:
- Can I get my own food?
- Can I drink?
- Can I go to the toilet normally?
- Can I take my regular medication?
If you answer no to any of these questions, call your GP.
Related topics
Symptoms and when to get help
Learn to recognise mild, moderate and severe symptoms of COVID-19, and when to seek medical advice from your GP or another healthcare professional.
How to monitor symptoms
If you’re able to manage your COVID-19 at home, you might be asked to follow a management plan. Learn how to check your breathing rate, oxygen levels and heart rate.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: March 2023
