I am COVID-19 positive. How to manage it?

Question

Hi doctor,

I tested positive for COVID-19 over a week ago. I had a fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, and diarrhea. Currently, I have an excruciating headache and chest pain. Have taken Tylenol and Advil.

Kindly guide.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am deeply saddened by your illness. Have you already had a chest CT? Please have an eye on your breathing frequency. If you have more than 20 breaths per minute, you should seek hospitalization.

As to the headache, unfortunately, COVID-19 can also enter the brain and cause inflammation there. That’s the most likely explanation. I’m normally very skeptical in regard to opioids. But in this case, Tramadol would be a good choice for short-term use. If this doesn’t help, you need to be treated in a hospital. Please do not take Tylenol (Acetaminophen) since Acetaminophen is highly liver-toxic in high doses, and COVID is stressing your liver anyway. And maybe you should switch from Advil (Ibuprofen) to Aspirin 500mg, 3 times a day, because Aspirin also prevents the formation of blood clots, a common complication of COVID. Advil does not have this effect.

What is more, convincing small studies indicate that the OTC medications Famotidin (3x40mg a day) and Clemastin (4x1mg a day) might help to reduce the symptom burden of Covid significantly within 24 to 48 hours. Since they are OTC products and, in general, well-tolerated, this might be worth a try. Please be careful. As soon as you feel a sudden deterioration of your condition, please call an ambulance. I wish you a speedy recovery.

I hope this helps.

Please feel free to reach out in case of further queries.

Thank you.