If you were prescribed an antiviral medication (Tamiflu, Xofluza) at your visit, start
this immediately. The purpose of these medications is to reduce symptom severity and
duration of illness.
Isolate yourself until you are fever-free for 24 hours without use of fever-reducing
medications. If you still have a cough at the end of isolation, wear a mask. Typically,
you are most contagious in the first 3 days of symptoms.
You may take Tylenol or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) per package directions as needed
for pain/fever.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Gargle salt water at least twice per day.
Consider over-the-counter medications such as Mucinex, Delsym, and sinus congestion
relief as needed. Use per package directions.
If cough or congestion lasts longer than 10 days, return to the clinic for evaluation.
Elderberry supplements, Oscillococcinum, or other herbal/homeopathic medications are
acceptable if there are no contraindications.
Vicks Vapor Shower Tablets are a great addition to a hot shower to help expectorate
sputum and soothe respiratory passages.
If strep test positive, start antibiotics the day of your positive test.
Finish the entire course of antibiotics to avoid symptoms returning and antibiotic
resistance!
You may take Tylenol or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) per package directions as needed
for pain/fever.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Gargle salt water at least twice per day.
Replace your toothbrush after taking 7 days of antibiotics.
Drink plenty of water.
Consider over-the-counter medications such as Mucinex, Delsym, and sinus congestion
relief as needed. Use per package directions.
Consider over-the-counter fluticasone (Flonase) nasal spray per package directions.
Avoid use of Afrin-type products because these only provide very temporary relief
of congestion and will cause rebound symptoms.
If cough or congestion lasts longer than 10 days, return to the clinic for evaluation.
Maintain adequate hydration. Remember, slow and steady wins the race. Sip on water
or electrolyte drinks consistently. Chugging may induce more vomiting.
When able to tolerate food, consider low acid, non-greasy foods. Examples: toast with
peanut or almond butter, chicken noodle soup, oatmeal, bananas, applesauce.
If feeling faint upon standing, HR sustaining >120 at rest, feeling disoriented, or
completely unable to tolerate even sips, seek emergency care immediately.
Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) per package directions as
needed for pain/fever.
Consider over-the-counter fluticasone (Flonase) nasal spray per package directions.
This will help with ear pressure and nasal drainage that can linger after treatment
with antibiotics.
Finish antibiotics as directed to avoid recurrence of symptoms. Do not stop taking
them just because you feel you have improved.
CDC Guidelines now state that those with COVID-19, as well as other respiratory illnesses
such as influenza and RSV, stay home until their fever has resolved for 24 hours without
fever-reducing medications. They also recommend staying home until your symptoms start
improving, though it is not necessary for them to be completely resolved before returning
to school/work. CDC urges those with COVID-19 to consider wearing a mask for 5 days
when returning to school/work.
You may consider these over-the-counter supplements for immune support.
Vitamin C 500mg per day
Vitamin D 1000 IU per day
Zinc 100mg per day
Drink plenty of water! This helps to thin mucus and have a more productive cough.
If experiencing congestion, cough, ear fullness, consider the following over-the-counter
medications.
Flonase (fluticasone) nasal spray for ear fullness, congestion.
Delsym, Mucinex for cough, chest congestion
Be aware that cough, nasal drainage, or congestion may linger for days or weeks after
COVID infection; however, this does not mean you are still contagious. If symptoms
persist longer than 2 weeks, seek medical care here at the health center or off-campus
clinic.
