If you have any symptoms of COVID-19:
- self-isolate (stay in your room)
- wear a medical or respirator face mask if you have to be around other people
Do these even if you have completed your first round of COVID-19 vaccination, had a booster, or had a positive PCR or antigen test result in the past.
Certain groups of people with symptoms should get a COVID-19 test.
There is no specific treatment for COVID-19. But many of the symptoms can be treated at home.
The most important thing you can do is to protect others from catching COVID-19. It is especially important to protect people at higher risk from COVID-19.
If you have a vaccine appointment
Do not attend a vaccination appointment if you have symptoms of COVID-19.
To ask for a new appointment, reply to your appointment text with the word 'New' or phone HSELive on 1800 700 700.
Do
- self-isolate - read about when you can stop self-isolating
- get lots of rest and sleep
- drink enough water to avoid dehydration - your pee should be light yellow or clear
- eat healthily
- avoid smoking
- keep warm
- monitor and treat your symptoms
Read about minding your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic
Your symptoms
You may not have all the symptoms of COVID-19 or your symptoms may be mild. Symptoms may vary for different age groups or variants of the virus. It can take up to 14 days for symptoms to show.
Read more about symptoms of:
- a fever
- a cough - this can be any kind of cough, not just dry
- shortness of breath and when to call your GP
- fatigue
- lost or changed sense of smell
- vomiting or diarrhoea
- sore throat
- conjunctivitis
Urgent advice: Phone your GP if:
- your symptoms do not improve
- you are over 60 or at higher risk of COVID-19 and your symptoms get worse
Medicines to treat symptoms
The best medicines to use will depend on your:
- symptoms
- other medical conditions
- any other medication you're taking
Paracetamol or ibuprofen may help to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains. Paracetamol is usually recommended as the first-line of treatment for most people.
Important
Before taking any medicine, read the full package leaflet that comes with your medicine. Follow any advice a healthcare professional gives you.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics do not work against COVID-19 or any viruses. They will not relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery.
Ibuprofen
It is OK to take ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatories (NSAID) if you have COVID-19.
Only take one anti-inflammatory medication at a time. It is OK to take paracetamol and an anti-inflammatory at the same time.
Anti-inflammatory medicines include:
- ibuprofen - brand names: Nurofen, Actiprofen, Advil, Brufen, Brupro, Buplex, Easofen, and Fenopine. Ibuprofen gel can be called Nurofen, Melfen, Phorpain, Ibugel and Ibuleve
- naproxen – brand name: Naprosyn
- diclofenac – brand names: Voltarol, Diclo, Diclac, Cataflam, Difene and Flector
Last updated: 14 January 2022 at 9am
