Victoria’s daily case numbers in 2022 have already surpassed the total number of infections recorded in 2020 and are on track to soar past the 2021’s yearly tally.The chances of contracting the virus during the current wave are increasing daily as cases surge across the state, with Health Minister Martin Foley on Thursday announcing that one in 50 Victorians were currently infected with the virus.But according to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, about 80 per cent of people who test positive for Covid are likely to only experience mild symptoms and could be appropriately cared for at home – especially if they’re fully vaccinated.Here’s how to go about caring for yourself at home if you have Covid.WHAT REMEDIES CAN I TRY?Adults with a mild case of Covid can treat their symptoms in a similar way to how they would treat a cold or flu.Mild Covid symptoms include a runny or blocked nose, sore throat, aches and pains, dry cough, headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite or nausea, or loss of or change in taste or smell.The Department of Health recommends taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve pain and low fevers.Lozenges may help to soothe a sore throat, while products containing electrolytes are a good option – along with drinking about 2.5l of water a day – to help stay hydrated.THINGS TO AVOID WHILE SICKWhile in most cases vaccinations will reduce the severity of the virus, your body will still need time to recover as it fights the infection, so getting as much rest as possible is crucial.Strenuous exercise should be avoided in most cases, but moderate exercise if fine if you feel well enough (and it’s done within your home and/or garden).Think twice about consuming alcohol and coffee or drinks with high levels of caffeine, especially if you are experiencing nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.CAN I CONTINUE TO BREASTFEED?The RACGP guidelines state that it is okay to continue to breastfeed but you should wear a mask while doing so and maintain good hand hygiene.WHEN SHOULD I SEEK MEDICAL HELP?According the Australian Department of Health, certain groups are at higher risk of severe illness after contracting Covid, with the risk also increasing with age.If you are over 70 years old, obese, have diabetes or chronic or complex medical conditions, are immunocompromised or have a severe mental illness, you should seek medical advice on how to manage your symptoms.If you do not fit into the above groups but your symptoms increase in severity or you start to experience shortness of breath, persistent pain or tightness in your chest, fainting or a temperature above 38C, you should immediately seek medical assistance.WHAT IF MY CHILD GETS COVID?Children are less likely to become seriously ill with Covid, however their symptoms should be monitored closely and a doctor should be consulted if they worsen.If your child is immunocompromised or has ongoing health concerns, seek medical advice immediately.The Australian government has also released advice on how to care for a child who has contracted Covid.I LIVE WITH OTHERS, HOW DO I ISOLATE AT HOME?Isolating helps protect your family, friends and the wider community from Covid and is a public health requirement for anyone who has tested positive.If you live with others, try and stay in a separate, well-ventilated room. If you cannot separate yourself completely, avoid shared spaces in the house as much as possible and wear a mask when moving through those areas.If you can, use a separate bathroom. If you can’t, wipe down any surface you touch and flush the toilet with a closed lid.The people who live in your house can stay there if they are unable to live somewhere else during your isolation period but they will be considered close contacts and will also be required to isolate.It is important you practice good hygiene – cough or sneeze into your elbow or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and wash your hands after discarding it.You should use separate dishes, cups, cutlery, towels and bedding to prevent others in the household coming into contact with them. After use, wash all items on the hottest possible setting.WHEN CAN I GET MY VACCINATION/BOOSTER AFTER HAVING COVID?People who have tested positive to Covid should still be vaccinated, according to Health Authorities.According to the RACGP, you should get your vaccination or booster jab once you have recovered – and no later than six months after contracting Covid.
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