Treating symptoms at home
People with mild illness can usually treat their symptoms and recover at home.
You can treat mild COVID-19 symptoms in a similar way to how you would treat the flu. Rest helps your body to fight viruses and over-the-counter pain relief may ease discomfort caused by fever or aches and pains.
What you need to know
If you have mild COVID-19 symptoms, you should rest and stay well-hydrated. Short-term use of pain-relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may relieve pain.
Medicines such as antibiotics, ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine are not effective against COVID-19 and are not approved for the treatment of COVID-19 in Australia.
You shouldn’t buy any medicines, including ivermectin, from unverified websites since this can put you at serious risk of adverse reactions.
Those with severe COVID-19 symptoms may need to be treated in hospital with corticosteroids, antivirals such as remdesivir and other drugs, depending on how severe their symptoms are.
If you have any concerns or questions about medicines or how to treat your symptoms, contact your general practitioner (GP).
Got other COVID questions? Get COVID clarity
Use the COVID-19 Symptom and Antiviral Eligibility Checker to find out if you need to seek medical help.
Call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 at any time if you need advice.
