Chicken soup may not be enough.
You're not alone if you've been sick with COVID
this month: The United States reported over 1.5 million new cases on Monday.
You're probably wondering what you can—or should—do to feel better and recover
more quickly. Will Gatorade and chicken soup be enough to keep you going? Is
there a difference between some over-the-counter COVID treatments and others?
Do you require monoclonal antibodies or antiviral medications, and can you
obtain them? Like the virus, the answers are in change.
The latest advice came from Dr. Robert G. Lahita
(author of Immunity Strong) and Amanda Perriello (RD, CDN), a registered
dietitian with Gaylord Specialty Healthcare (CT) who works with clients
recovering from severe COVID. Dr. Robert G. Lahita (author of Immunity Strong):
Read on to learn more.
1. Fluids
When recovering from any illness, it is critical
to stay hydrated. However, COVID can make things a little more complicated. The
Omicron variant, which now accounts for 98 percent or more of cases in the
United States, causes a severe sore throat. "Patients report it feels like
they're swallowing razor blades," Lahita says. "However, make sure
you're properly hydrated. When our throats are raw, we don't want to eat or
drink." He recommends drinking plenty of water, tea, or other
throat-friendly liquids. Citrus juices, caffeine, and spicy or scorching
beverages will be too painful for a while.
Water is the most acceptable hydration source,
but Perriello advises that you should also replenish your electrolytes if you
have a fever. Gatorade, Powerade, or Vitamin Water are all excellent options,
or you may prepare your rehydration beverage at home using water, salt, sugar,
and a squeeze of lemon for flavor. (If you have diabetes, avoid sports drinks
with added sugar; increasing your blood sugar can worsen your COVID symptoms.)
2. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
For fever and headache, Lahita suggests
acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol). Aspirin and other nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen might irritate
the stomach, making COVID-related nausea and vomiting worse. One caveat: Don't
consume alcohol while taking acetaminophen because it can harm your liver.
3. Baby Aspirin
"Taking a baby aspirin every day is
necessary," Lahita advises, even if you don't have COVID. This could
protect you against the effects of the Delta form, which is still circulating.
Delta, unlike Omicron, can cause micro clotting in the lungs, which is one of
the most common reasons for death from that variant, according to him. This can
be avoided by taking baby aspirin, which works as a blood thinner.
4. Vitamins C and D
"At this time, everyone should be taking
vitamin C if they haven't already," Lahita advises. "Vitamin D is
also beneficial to the immune system because it strengthens it."
5. Regular Meals With These Components
You may not feel like eating, but you absolutely
must. "You need to feed your body with calories, protein, and complex
carbs to heal from any injury or disease, including COVID," explains
Perriello. "When it comes to immune health, protein, vitamin C, vitamin D,
zinc, and iron are all key contributors." Lean meats, seafood, whole
grains, and plenty of fruits and veggies are your best bets.
Even if COVID has taken away your hunger, it's
still crucial to stick to a regular eating schedule. According to Perriello, in
addition to aiding in the fight against the virus, continuously fuelling your
body can also help recover your appetite. Smaller meals and frequent snacks may
be more appealing than huge ones when you're healing.
6. What About Monoclonal Antibodies?
Monoclonal antibodies boost the immune system's
ability to combat the coronavirus. According to Lahita, the medication is given
via IV in hospitals and emergency rooms. (It's not something your primary care
doctor can provide you with in their office.) Unfortunately, most currently
available monoclonal antibody treatments appear to be ineffective against the
Omicron form. Fortunately, Omicron appears to cause less severe disease,
reducing the need for treatment.
However, if and when you have COVID, you will
most likely have no idea which variety you have. Lahita's advice: Go to the ER
if you have risk factors for severe COVID (such as age or underlying medical
issues), where you can be evaluated and monoclonal antibodies administered if a
doctor determines you would benefit.
7. What's the Latest on Antiviral Medications?
According to Lahita, doctors will prescribe the
antiviral medications Paxlovid and molnupiravir in a few weeks. When given
during the first three days of symptoms, they were found to reduce
COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths in clinical trials significantly. The
medications are currently being produced and are in minimal supply.
So, if you think you might need more than
over-the-counter help today, what should you do? "The finest piece of
advice is always to call your doctor," Lahita advises. "Tell your
symptoms to your doctor or the doctor's representative—the advanced practice
nurse or covering physician." They'll provide you with customized and
up-to-date advice on what to do next.
8. When to Seek Medical Attention
"Go to the emergency room if your symptoms
grow terrible, and you have a comorbidity like diabetes or a chronic lung
illness, and you think you're starting to deteriorate," Lahita advises.
"Dial 911 and rush to the hospital if you're out of breath and gasping for
oxygen." Doctors can use drugs like remdesivir and dexamethasone to reduce
inflammation and enhance breathing.
9. How to Stay Safe Out There
No matter where you live, get vaccinated as soon as possible; if you live in an area with low vaccination rates, wear an N95 face mask, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you aren't sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene.