There is currently no specific treatment for coronavirus (COVID-19), but you can often ease the symptoms at home until you recover.
Treating a high temperature
If you have a high temperature, it can help to:
get lots of rest
drink plenty of fluids (water is best) to avoid dehydration – drink enough so your pee is light yellow and clear
take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you feel uncomfortable
Treating a cough
If you have a cough, it’s best to avoid lying 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 for advice about cough treatments.
Do not go to a pharmacy in person. If you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms, you should all stay at home.
Try calling or contacting the pharmacy online instead.
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. This can make it worse.
What to do if your symptoms get worse
It’s important to get medical help if your symptoms get worse.
Urgent advice:
Use the 111 online coronavirus service if:
You feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
your symptoms get worse and you’re not sure what to do
Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.
Babies and children
Call 111 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.
Get more advice about coronavirus in children.
Immediate action required
Call 999 for an ambulance if you or someone you care for:
are struggling to breathe
are coughing up blood
have blue lips or a blue face
feel cold and sweaty, with pale or blotchy skin
have a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it
collapse or faint
become confused or very drowsy
have stopped peeing or are peeing much less than usual
Tell the operator you might have coronavirus symptoms.