The panic of the early years has passed, and that is a good thing. But somewhere along the way many people stopped knowing what to do when COVID actually turns up in the house.

It is still circulating, it still makes people unwell, and for some it is still dangerous. The sensible middle ground is neither fear nor ignoring it, and that is what this article aims for.

The short version. For most healthy people COVID is now a bad cold or flu like illness that clears with rest at home. The job is to recognise it, look after yourself sensibly, protect the vulnerable people around you, and know the small number of warning signs that mean you need care.

What COVID looks like now

COVID-19 is an illness caused by a coronavirus that spreads mainly through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes. The virus keeps changing, so the typical illness today is not identical to the early versions.

Common symptoms now include a sore throat, a runny or blocked nose, cough, headache, tiredness, muscle aches and fever. The loss of taste and smell that was once a giveaway is less common than it used to be. In truth you often cannot tell COVID apart from flu or a heavy cold by symptoms alone.

Testing, and whether you need it

A rapid antigen test, the home swab kit, can confirm COVID and is most reliable when your symptoms are at their peak. A negative result early on does not fully rule it out, so if symptoms continue it is reasonable to test again a day or two later.

For most mildly unwell people the exact name of the virus does not change the plan, which is rest and fluids. Testing matters most when you are around vulnerable people, when you are at higher risk yourself, or when a doctor needs it to guide treatment.

Looking after yourself at home

The basics do the heavy lifting. Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and use simple measures for fever and aches such as paracetamol, following the instructions on the packet. Steam and warm drinks ease a sore throat and blocked nose.

Stay home while you are unwell and feverish so you do not pass it on, particularly to older relatives and anyone with a long term illness. Keep your distance from them, ventilate rooms by opening windows, and wear a mask around them if you must be close.

Most people start to feel better within a week or so, though a cough and tiredness can linger longer than that.

Who needs to take it more seriously

Some people are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell. That includes older adults, people with diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung conditions such as asthma or COPD, kidney disease, a weakened immune system, and those who are significantly overweight. Pregnancy also raises the risk.

If you or someone you are caring for is in one of these groups, watch more closely and seek advice earlier rather than later. Early assessment is always easier than late rescue.

Get urgent care if you have difficulty breathing or breathlessness at rest, chest pain or tightness, blue or grey lips or face, confusion or unusual drowsiness, an inability to stay awake, or you cannot keep any fluids down. For anyone at higher risk, a fever that will not settle or worsening symptoms after the first week also warrant being seen. Our Accident and Emergency department is open 24 hours.

Vaccination and staying protected

Vaccination remains the best tool for reducing the chance of severe illness, especially for older and higher risk people. Recommendations on who should have booster doses and how often are updated over time, so the sensible step is to ask a doctor or the public health service what is currently advised for someone in your situation.

Alongside vaccines, the ordinary habits still help. Washing hands, staying home when sick, and covering coughs reduce spread not only of COVID but of flu and colds too.

When symptoms drag on

Some people find that tiredness, breathlessness, brain fog or a reduced sense of smell continue for weeks or months after the infection itself has cleared. This is sometimes called long COVID, meaning symptoms that persist well beyond the usual recovery.

If you are still not right several weeks on, it is worth a consultation. A doctor can check for other explanations, run tests where useful, and help you manage the recovery, referring you to a specialist if your symptoms need it.

What to do next

If you are mildly unwell and otherwise healthy, rest at home, keep your fluids up, and stay away from vulnerable people until your fever has gone.

If you are at higher risk, if you are not improving, or if any of the warning signs above appear, do not wait it out. Come to our Accident and Emergency department for breathing difficulty, or book a consultation for assessment and testing. Getting seen early is what keeps a manageable illness from becoming a serious one.

Unwell and worried it is COVID? Get checked at Newtown.

Our doctors can assess your symptoms, and our laboratory can run the blood tests that help judge how unwell you are. When a chest complication is suspected, X-ray and CT scanning are available on site at 55 Woodford Street, Port of Spain. Our Accident and Emergency department is open 24 hours, so if you are struggling to breathe, come in at once rather than waiting.

Book your consultation Call 622-4945

This article is for general education only and is not a substitute for personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your own health. If you believe you have a medical emergency, call or visit our 24-hour Accident and Emergency department immediately.