Managing Covid-19 at home. 27 Feb 2022

Healthy adults and children with COVID illness can self-isolate at home, manage their symptoms with simple measures and will usually recover well. You do not need to seek medical care unless your symptoms are severe or increasing. Those at higher risk are those over 60 years; immunocompromised or significant conditions (eg heart, lung conditions etc), pregnant, or not-vaccinated. We will take special care for those who are high-risk and unwell with Covid-19.

I tested positive, what happens next?
During phase 3, we will be doing RAT tests and will assess how you are feeling, and your risk of complications. If you are at low risk, you can safely self-manage and call us if you need help or advice. If you are at higher  risk, we will call you every day or every second day as required. You can also call us or 0800 687 647 for advice.

I did a RAT at home and it is positive, what do I do?
if you are very unwell, call us. If you are mildly unwell, please either load the positive RAT on your My Covid Record, or call 0800 222478. You will get a text explaining the next steps. We are unable to load your RAT onto the system for you.

My RAT is negative but I still have a cough/runny nose/sore throat
The RAT may be  negative early in the illness. Test again tomorrow or the next day. See https://www.arphs.health.nz/information-for-people-with-negative-covid-19-results for more information

How long do I need to isolate for?
You will need to isolate for 10 days from when you became unwell, or tested positive. Here is some information to help you with isolation. All the Health Navigator pages can be accessed free on your phone without using data.  https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/c/covid-19-positive-how-to-quarantine-at-home/

How do I manage my symptoms?
Most people have mild symptoms, which can be managed easily at home. Scratchy throat, body aches, headache, cough and tiredness are common. Nausea and diarrhoea are also quite common. Other symptoms that might show are a rash, red swollen toes, and conjunctivitis. Rest and keeping up fluids is important. Paracetamol, ibuprofen, and rehydration fluids are useful (we can arrange a pharmacy to deliver these to you if needed).
It is useful to record your symptoms – to download a symptom diary see https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/c/covid-19-positive-symptom-diaries/
See https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/c/covid-19-positive-managing-your-symptoms/
Here are links to some great information for adults and children. Here https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/c/covid-19-positive-care-at-home/   and   https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/c/covid-19-positive-caring-for-your-child-at-home/
All the Health Navigator pages can be accessed free on your phone without using data.

What serious symptoms should I look out for in an adult?

PLEASE CALL 111 if

• You have severe trouble breathing or severe chest pain.
• You are very confused or not thinking clearly.
• You pass out (lose consciousness).

PLEASE CALL US or  0800 687 647 or 0800 358 5453 if

• You have new or worse trouble breathing.
• Your symptoms are getting worse.
• You start getting better and then get worse.
• You have severe dehydration such as having a very dry mouth or passing only a little urine or feeling very light-headed
• Your oxygen level on the pulse oximeter is 92 or below OR drops 3 points from the beginning of your illness.

What serious symptoms should I look out for in a child?
Please call us or  0800 687 647 or 0800 358 5453  if your child has

• difficulty breathing or struggling to breathe.
• not drinking well, dry lips and mouth, not passing much urine, refusing to drink, vomiting.
• sleepy or confused,
• Pale/grey lips and skin.
• Fever in baby less than 3 months old, fever more than 5 days in a child older than 3 months
• Or if you are worried about your child

Please call 111 if your child looks very sick, or faints or has a seizure.

What do my household members need to do?
Household members need to isolate for the full 10 days from when the first person became ill or tested positive. The first day you became unwell (or tested positive and had no symptoms) is called day zero. Household members should get a test if they become unwell with covid-19 symptoms, or on days 3 and 10. If they test negative at day 10 and remain asymptomatic, they can leave isolation the following day.
Close contacts do not need to get a test or isolate, unless they become symptomatic. If they become symptomatic they will need to get a test

I am worried about getting food, wages, looking after pets and other social needs
You can call 0800 512 337 who will help with social needs. For financial support see https://covid19.govt.nz/isolation-and-care/financial-support/.


MORE INFORMATION:
How will I expect to feel when I am ill?

• Days 1-3 – you may have very mild symptoms or feel more unwell. You might feel a sore throat, cough, fever, headache. Sometimes you may have diarrhoea. You may feel tired and lose your sense of smell and taste.
• Days 4-6 – these are important days to be more aware of your symptoms. This is when lung (respiratory) symptoms may start to get worse, especially if you have other conditions like high blood pressure, obesity, or diabetes. You may start to feel worse and may have aches, chills, cough and find it hard to get comfortable. Some younger people may develop rashes, including itchy red patches, swelling, or blistering on their toes or fingers.
• Days 7-8 – For people with mild illness, the worst is generally over after a week. Some people may get worse at this point or start to feel better briefly then take a turn for the worse. If you start to feel worse, contact the us on 09-5796147 or 0800 687 647 or 0800 3585453
• Days 8-12 – Continue to monitor your symptoms and record them in your  symptom diary. https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/c/covid-19-positive-symptom-diaries/
• Days 13-14 – Most people will feel better by now. Some people feel more tired than usual. A slow return to activity is advised.

This link gives a more detailed timeframe of what to expect day by day: https://hfam.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Patient-Information-Long-Form-version-2021-05-19.pdf  

Do I need an oxygen monitor (pulse oximeter)?
Only those at high risk need to check their oxygen regularly. We will assess if you need one and Public Health will send one to you if necessary. We have a small supply to lend you if you need one and the delivery from Public Health is delayed.
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Link to how to use an oximeter https://hfam.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Pulse-Oximetry-Patient-Instructions-2020-Jan-12.pdf