I have COVID. Now what? A positive COVID-19 test can be scary. However, for most people, the illness is mild and manageable if you get the right information early. Vitamins, medications, and antibody treatments available in Tampa can reduce symptoms and help you recover quickly.
Many doctors don't prescribe anything at all for COVID-19 unless you have a serious case or are admitted to the hospital. The majority of people recover fine at home with rest and typical flu treatments.
Medications listed in the protocol include:
Any of these can be used for pain relief as your doctor prescribes, depending on your health. Some medications are better suited for those with specific health problems.
It is a good idea to take vitamins before, during, and after COVID-19 to lessen symptoms, help you recover quickly, and ward off future viruses. Although research is inconclusive on this, taking vitamins couldn't hurt. The vitamins suggested for the virus are Vitamins B, C, D, and Zinc.
Florida quickly moved ahead to combat the virus, a move that has proven successful as it now has the lowest COVID-19 infection rate in the country. One of the treatments the state has offered, which is available in Tampa, is the monoclonal antibody treatment.
These are lab-produced treatments that include Regeneron, usually given by an infusion or IV. Five sites in the Tampa area see between 300 and 320 patients a day.
Those getting the treatment must meet the following qualifications:
Participating in paid clinical studies may give you access to cutting-edge treatments, while also earning you compensation for your time.
Santos Research Center is conducting clinical trials for those with COVID in the Tampa area and is seeking participants. The research will be used by pharmaceutical companies to develop safe vaccines and treatments to combat COVID-19.
Those participating in the research will get free doctor visits plus compensation up to $1,500 for your time and travel. You must be at least 18 years old, have a confirmed case of COVID by the PCR test, have the onset of virus symptoms within 5 days of infection, and have at least one medical condition in order to participate.
Call 813-249-9100 for more information about participating in clinical trials.
A nebulizer can help with shortness of breath, so be sure to ask your doctor about obtaining one. A nebulizer can help protect your lungs as well as relieve shortness of breath. Lying on your stomach with your head turned to the side helps some people breathe easier. Breathing exercises help also, including:
Breathing through pursed lips
This is when you inhale slowly through your nose and then exhale through puckered or pursed lips, as if you were about to whistle.
Diaphragm breathing
Breathing this way draws from your stomach. Inhale through your nose and exhale slowly through the mouth where the exhalation is at least triple the time of the inhalation.
Most people recover from COVID-19 within a week. However, it takes longer for a complete recovery, and some retain a symptom for weeks or months.
Doctors recommend anyone with COVID-19 quarantine for 14 days even if you are feeling better. You can come out of quarantine with a lingering symptom, depending on your doctor's advice.
Most people can begin to associate with others after they come out of quarantine.
This is the most difficult challenge since your entire household has likely already been exposed by you. However, there are steps to take to protect them from COVID-19.
While it may be a proactive step for the entire household to get tested, it may be too early to detect the virus if family members were exposed as the incubation period is up to two weeks. Some may wait until they experience a symptom. The dilemma is younger family members may not have any symptoms but still have the virus.
The official medical recommendation is to get the entire family tested. It is also important to note that the PCR test was recalled by the CDC because of the high number of false positives. The current test will be removed from use on Dec. 31 and facilities will transition to other tests and approaches to diagnose the virus.
Most medical advice suggests that quarantining together is fine. You won't get any sicker and can avoid feeling isolated if the family is together.
You should monitor any symptoms you may have and get tested.
I have COVID. Now what? Being diagnosed with COVID-19 is stressful. The news has inundated the country with death tolls. The first thing to realize is COVID-19 has a high survival rate of between 97 and 99 percent.
Most people, unless they have underlying health conditions, experience mild symptoms and have little to no serious lasting effects.
Some ways to alleviate stress during your recovery include:
Some have experienced long-term effects of the virus with the most common one being a continued loss of taste and smell. Doctors remained perplexed.
Participating in clinical trials like what the Santos Research Center is hosting can help combat long-term symptoms. The trials are for those actively infected with COVID with symptoms appearing within five days and that also have at least one medical condition.
However, getting involved with a trial early could help track long-term effects and help researchers develop treatments. Call 813-249-9100 for more information about the clinical trials.
Santos Research Center, Corp. is a research facility conducting paid clinical trials, in partnership with major pharmaceutical companies & CROs. We work with patients from across the Tampa Bay area.