What can I do to ease Covid symptoms at home?

Health experts are warning Australia could soon face its worst flu season in years as Covid transmission across the country remains high.

There were more than 360,000 positive tests recorded around the country in the past week, and nearly half a million people are isolating with active Covid-19.

Thanks to vaccination and the less severe but highly transmissible Omicron variant, the vast majority of people who get Covid will have symptoms that are manageable at home.

If you are self-isolating with Covid, these are some treatments and techniques that may help to alleviate symptoms.

Staying well hydrated is important after a Covid diagnosis, says Dr Suzi Nou, a Melbourne anaesthetist who has been managing Covid-positive patients in the community.

Since the surge of the Omicron BA.2 subvariant, Nou has noticed an increase in Covid patients presenting mainly with gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly in children and teenagers, which can contribute to dehydration.

Severe difficulty breathing or worsening shortness of breath, however, are considered red flags that indicate someone may need hospital care, as are fainting or collapse and blue lips or face.

Nasal sprays may also help to provide relief for symptoms of nasal congestion, the RACGP guide suggests.

Other common symptoms include difficulty concentrating, visual changes, and mood disturbances.

Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken to alleviate symptoms, including a fever or body aches. Experts note that pregnant women, however, should avoid ibuprofen.

There is little clinical evidence to suggest that vitamin supplements are beneficial in treating or preventing Covid.

A 2021 clinical trial in people with mild Covid-19 found that taking high-dose zinc, vitamin C or a combination of the two supplements had no benefit in reducing the duration of symptoms.