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About COVID-19  |  Symptoms  |  Long COVID  |  High-Risk People |  Prevention  |  Testing |  Treatment

At high risk and testing positive for COVID-19? Speak to your healthcare professional right away1-3

The NHS offers treatment to eligible people with COVID-19 who are at the highest risk of becoming seriously ill. Based on your individual circumstances you may be deemed eligible for treatment for COVID-19 by your healthcare professional. As soon as you test positive for COVID-19 it's important to know your risk status, and that if eligible, these treatments are available.2

What do COVID-19 treatments do?

Treatment options have been developed to support patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 by helping some patients to manage their COVID-19 symptoms and potentially reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill.2

To be effective, COVID-19 treatments must be started soon after symptoms begin. Speak to your healthcare professional about your eligibility and possible treatment options as soon as you test positive.2


Could treatment be right for you?

Only a healthcare professional can assess your eligibility for COVID-19 treatments, so speak with them about possible options.2

When talking to your healthcare professional about COVID-19 treatment options, consider and discuss the following:

  • Whether you have factors that could put you at risk for progressing to severe COVID-192

  • What kinds of treatments are available2

  • What other medications you are currently taking2

 

How to look after COVID-19 symptoms yourself4

Do

  • Get lots of rest.

  • Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration (your pee should be light yellow or clear).

  • Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you feel uncomfortable.

  • Try having a teaspoon of honey if you have a cough – do not give honey to babies under 12 months.

  • Try turning the heating down or opening a window to help with breathlessness.

  • Breathe slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth, with your lips together like you're gently blowing out a candle.

  • Sit upright in a chair to help with breathlessness 

  • Relax your shoulders, so you're not hunched to help with breathlessness.

  • Lean forward slightly – support yourself by putting your hands on your knees or on something stable like a chair to help with breathlessness.

Don't
  • Do not lie on your back if you have a cough – lie on your side or sit upright instead.
  • Do not use a fan to cool your room as it may spread the virus.
  • Try not to panic if you're feeling breathless – this can make it worse.

Contact your healthcare professional or healthcare service provider if:4

  • You're worried about your or a child's COVID-19 symptoms or are not sure what to do.
  • The symptoms are getting worse or are not getting better.

References

  1. Bestetti R, Furlan-Daniel R, Silva V. Pharmacological treatment of patients with mild to moderate COVID-19: A comprehensive review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(13):7212
  2. NHS. Treatments for COVID-19. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/treatments-for-covid-19/. Accessed May 2025.
  3. Guan W-J, Liang W-H, Shi Y, et al. Chronic respiratory diseases and the outcomes of COVID-19: A nationwide retrospective cohort study of 39,420 cases. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2021;9(7):2645-2655.e14 
  4. NHS. COVID-19 symptoms and what to do. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/covid-19-symptoms-and-what-to-do/ . Accessed May 2025.
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