Advice for managing Covid-19 pain and fever safely at home

Fever, body aches and pain are among the commonly reported symptoms of Covid-19 and are also associated with other viral infections, including influenza. While these symptoms can be most unpleasant, frequently they can be managed at home on the advice of a healthcare professional.

It is crucial, however, that medications for relieving symptoms are always used appropriately and safely, a pharmacist has warned. “Many Covid-19 patients describe experiencing severe headaches, body aches, sore throat and chest pain, and the most common symptoms reported are fever, chills, and shivers,” said pharmacist Ria Westerman of Medipost Pharmacy.”Paracetamol has been proposed as the safest drug for relief of these symptoms, particularly pain and fever, for most of the population.

Even though paracetamol is effective and very safe, even for pregnant women and babies, as with all medicines, it is extremely important not to exceed the dosage that is specified on the packaging or recommended by your treating doctor. When taken in excessive doses, an overdose of this safe medicine can lead to toxic effects on the body.” Fever? a heightened body temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius or more ? is common in our bodies’ response to an infection such as Covid-19. “It has been noted that in certain cases, the pain and fever and other symptoms of the illness can feel so bad that the person becomes anxious and may even experience panic attacks, which could potentially worsen their situation.

Fortunately, fever, aches and pains can be effectively managed with paracetamol, which is inexpensive and readily available without the need for a doctor’s prescription.”Although paracetamol is safe for all ages, from babies to adults, with very few side-effects and little interaction with other types of medicine, Westerman emphasised that all medicines should be used with care and only as advised. She said many pharmaceutical products contain paracetamol and an accidental overdose is unfortunately common. One must check the ingredients on their medication to avoid this.

The standard dose for adults is 500mg (one tablet) to 1 000mg (two tablets) four times per day. This means that 1 000mg, or one gram, is the maximum dose for an adult in a six-hour period, which should never be exceeded, with a maximum of 4 000mg (four grams equivalent to eight tablets) in 24 hours. “Unlike most other types of painkillers, paracetamol can be taken on an empty stomach without causing irritation. In terms of pain relief properties, this is significant as paracetamol can be more rapidly absorbed, bringing more intense relief sooner than most other common oral analgesics. It is a gentle yet powerful painkiller,” Westerman added.

The pharmacist warned that paracetamol is not suitable for people with liver or hepatic impairment, as it is metabolised or processed through the liver.”Although most people who fall ill with Covid-19 are able to recover at home with symptomatic relief, it is important to keep in regular contact with one’s treating doctor and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms worsen. It may also be reassuring to regularly check blood oxygen levels with an oximeter, which is available from leading pharmacies including the Medipost Pharmacy online shop,” Westerman concluded.

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