As Omicron has fast become the dominant strain of Covid-19, it is luckily showing at the moment to be leaving people with more mild symptoms.

If you are suffering with symptoms at home, the ambulance service has provided this list of steps to take to help yourself at home whilst you recover:

  1. Treating a high temperature – it helps to get lots of rest, drink plenty of fluids (water is best) to avoid dehydration and take paracetamol.
  2. Treating a cough – avoid lying down on your back, lie on your side or sit upright instead. To help ease a cough, try having a teaspoon of honey. But do not give honey to babies under 12 months. If this does not help, you could contact a pharmacist by phone for advice about cough treatments (please stay at home if you have COVID-19 symptoms).
  3. Get help while you are staying at home – while you’re ill, ask a friend, family member or neighbour to check up on you. Arrange a regular call or talk through a doorway (not face to face) so they can check how you’re doing.
  4. Things to try if you’re feeling breathless – if you’re feeling breathless, it can help to keep your room cool. Try turning the heating down or opening a window. Do not use a fan as it may spread the virus. You could also try:
  • breathing slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth, with your lips together like you’re gently blowing out a candle
  • sitting upright in a chair
  • relaxing your shoulders, so you’re not hunched
  • leaning forward slightly – support yourself by putting your hands on your knees or on something stable like a chair.

Try not to panic if you’re feeling breathless as it can make it worse.

Get advice from 111.nhs.uk or your GP if:

  • you’re feeling gradually more unwell or more breathless
  • you have difficulty breathing when you stand up or move around
  • you feel very weak, achy or tired
  • you’re shaking or shivering
  • you’ve lost your appetite
  • you’re unable to care for yourself – for example, tasks like washing and dressing or making food are too difficult
  • you still feel unwell after four weeks – this may be long COVID.

Call 999 for our help if:

  • you’re so breathless that you’re unable to say short sentences when resting
  • your breathing has got suddenly worse
  • you cough up blood
  • you feel cold and sweaty, with pale or blotchy skin
  • you have a rash that looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin and does not fade when you roll a glass over it
  • you collapse or faint
  • you feel agitated, confused or very drowsy
  • you’ve stopped peeing or are peeing much less than usual.

Babies and children

Visit 111.nhs.uk if you’re worried about a baby or child.

If they seem very unwell, are getting worse, or you think there’s something seriously wrong, call 999.

Do not delay getting help if you’re worried. Trust your instincts.