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Original poster

Tips for handling Covid alone?

21 replies

DukeofEarlGrey · 05/11/2021 19:10

I developed Covid symptoms today and just had a positive lateral flow. I've checked all the NHS guidance and know what to do from a practical pov. I have groceries coming (safely) and will have to work from home throughout but nothing to tackle otherwise. I have had both vaccines.

Anyway, I live alone and am hoping to get off with a mild version, but already feeling pretty ropey and wondering whether anyone has had it alone and has any good tips for getting through it/looking after myself? Am feeling slightly daunted but know I'm probably being silly.

OP posts:

FOJN · 05/11/2021 19:13

Let someone else know you have tested positive and make arrangements to check in by phone or text twice a day.

Original poster

DukeofEarlGrey · 05/11/2021 19:24

Ah, thanks - that's a good idea

OP posts:

RoseRedRoseBlue · 05/11/2021 19:30

Treat it as a chance for some ‘you’ time as much as possible. Lay-ins,, long hot bubble baths, box set binges and so forth.

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Covid-19

Stoplickingthegluestick · 05/11/2021 19:35

I had COVID last month when my DH was working away. I found that an oximeter really helped calm my anxiety!

I shouldn’t have got lots of nice treats in the online shop though as I lost my taste/smell a few days in and it felt like it was a waste eating them when I couldn’t taste them.

Hope you don’t end up feeling too rough.

TheCanyon · 05/11/2021 19:36

If you struggle, please reach out to a friend/family. I'd hate to think someone I loved was by themselves and so unwell, I'd be there in a shot.

PurpleDaisies · 05/11/2021 19:37

I would try and prepare for feeling like you’ve got a really bad cold for a few days. If you escape with something milder, that’s a bonus. Get lots of easy things to eat that can just be heated up without much effort. More paracetamol than you think you’ll need. Plus biscuits for obvious reasons.

If you don’t feel well enough to work from home, you should definitely let your boss know.

Good luck to you

Dragonfire282 · 05/11/2021 19:37

I hope you're ok and don't suffer with it! My advice would be to get some really easy food in eg soups, cereals or whatever it is you usually fancy when you're poorly. Bottles of water so you can keep them in your bedroom then you're not up and down stairs if you don't feel like it, lemsips.

Original poster

DukeofEarlGrey · 05/11/2021 19:56

Ahh, thanks everyone - these ideas make me feel better and so does the kindness! I will update my shopping order and love the idea of reframing it as me time if I feel well enough to 'enjoy' it.

OP posts:

MrsGatsby99 · 05/11/2021 20:13

Make yourself as comfortable as you can by getting hot water bottle/ blankets close to hand in case you want them. In my case, i just wanted to sleep a lot so comfort was paramount..lots of cushions/ pillows. Maybe wash your sheets (if you feel.up to it) so they feel better if you have to stay in bed for a bit. Magazines/ books if you like them. Lemon and honey for hot drinks, maybe. Yes, if you feel too unwell, definitely inform your work ASAP.

But if you don't feel too unwell, routine of work could be good as could facetiming people once every other day or so.

Hope it isn't too bad.

Notagoodmonth · 05/11/2021 20:32

Oxometer I'd say is essential

KaleJuicer · 05/11/2021 20:36

Start taking your o2 levels on a oximeter now so you can spot any deterioration. Nhs 111 website gives advice on what to do if levels drop below 95%. Start cancelling/make tentative any meetings at work for next 2 weeks. Adjust your grocery order to include meals you can microwave or heat up quickly - eg soup. And a variety of foods as your tastebuds may go funny.

KaleJuicer · 05/11/2021 20:38

I was double vaxxed and extremely unwell. Ended up on steroids prescribed over the phone by gp and collected by the neighbour (can you let your neighbours know you’re unwell?)

stripeymonster · 05/11/2021 20:42

Hope you don't find yourself too ill. But I would find super comfy pjs , soft day clothes, thick socks, eye mask, pain killers, water bottle, tissues, hot water bottle. Oximeter, cushions, fresh bed sheets. I completely lost my appetite for a week but drank so much water. Got some Night Nurse to help with sleep. Good luck. Definitely get someone to check up on you by phone. Try to stay calm - hopefully you will not be too ill and take the chance to rest.

Original poster

DukeofEarlGrey · 05/11/2021 20:46

Thanks all - I just ordered an oximeter and have let all my friends know. Also added lots of fluids to my grocery shop!

OP posts:

dollywobbles · 05/11/2021 20:49

First of all, I really hope you aren't too poorly.

I had covid in Jan, pre jabs. Long story short, I was on my own for the first 3 days by which time I got dehydrated and in a bit of mess. So I'd say get lots of bottles of water in your bedroom, just in case. And paracetamol, and maybe some packaged food.

My ex husband came to see me on day 3, saw how things were and moved back in. Thank goodness.

I had the oxygen meter thing but my sats were through the floor so not reassuring at all.

But, if you're jabbed, things really ought to be easier. I really hope.

Good luck. Lots of water. Lots and lots.

KaleJuicer · 05/11/2021 20:52

Good luck! Don’t be weirded out by strange symptoms, it’s a strange virus! I went through a couple of days of supersensitive skin like sunburn over my body. I was too dopey to think to take painkillers but of course as soon as I did it It was bearable. You may be too tired to talk on phone so agree with friends to do text/whatapp chexj ins.

DoesHePlayTheFiddle · 05/11/2021 20:54

I had it ages ago. Felt really bad. Tried to keep calm, breathe slowly (there were online guides on how to breathe, in those days, I think) and use my inhalers a lot. Lived on tinned soup and water but didn't care as I couldn't taste anything anyway. Took about two weeks before I was fully up and about.

KILNAMATRA · 05/11/2021 20:55

Vitamins helped me I think…

GreenLunchBox · 05/11/2021 20:58

@dollywobbles

First of all, I really hope you aren't too poorly.

My ex husband came to see me on day 3, saw how things were and moved back in. Thank goodness.

I had the oxygen meter thing but my sats were through the floor so not reassuring at all.

But, if you're jabbed, things really ought to be easier. I really hope.

Good luck. Lots of water. Lots and lots.

I'm intrigued by your XH moving back in...are you recently separated/divorced and/ or do you have kids?

Also, why was the oximeter not reassuring? Did you not contact medical help when your sats went through the floor?

dane8 · 05/11/2021 21:15

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This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

dollywobbles · 05/11/2021 21:28

@GreenLunchBox
Ex is a good friend still, and father of my son so they both moved back in. We'd been separated about 3 years by then. He came back for about 5 days. Massive help.
Son had also tested positive when I did but ex seemed to escape it.
I did seek medical advice re my sats. I have a friend who is a medical professional and they were monitoring me from afar. I've had asthma in the past (as an adolescent) so I knew some techniques for managing my breathing. I don't think I was ever in any danger from that, or at least I didn't feel like I was.
It was more the dehydration and my temperature being high.

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