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The Global Insight

How to provide support to a person suffering from COVID-19?

Author

John Johnson

Updated on March 20, 2026

• Help the person who is sick follow their doctor’s instructions for care and medicine. For most people, symptoms last a few days, and people usually feel better after a week.• See if over-the-counter medicines for fever help the person feel better.• Make sure the person who is sick drinks a lot of fluids and rests.• Help them with grocery shopping, filling prescriptions, and getting other items they may need. Consider having the items delivered through a delivery service, if possible.• Take care of their pet(s), and limit contact between the person who is sick and their pet(s) when possible.

Can you take ibuprofen if you have COVID-19?

Studies in Michigan, Denmark, Italy, and Israel, as well as a multi-center international study, found no link between taking NSAIDs and a worse outcome from COVID-19 when compared with acetaminophen or taking nothing. So, if you are taking NSAIDs regularly, you can continue to take your usual dose.

Can over-the-counter medications help with symptoms of COVID-19?

You can use over-the-counter (OTC) medications to help relieve common symptoms of the flu or COVID-19. But these medications are not a treatment for the flu or COVID-19, meaning they do not work to kill the viruses that cause these infections.

Do steroids help reduce the effect of COVID-19?

The steroid medication dexamethasone has been proven to help people severely ill with COVID-19.

How can I help care for a friend or family member with the coronavirus disease at home?

Help the person who is sick follow their doctor’s instructions for care and medicine. For most people, symptoms last a few days, and people usually feel better after a week. See if over-the-counter medicines for fever help the person feel better.Make sure the person who is sick drinks a lot of fluids and rests.Help them with grocery shopping, filling prescriptions, and getting other items they may need. Consider having the items delivered through a delivery service, if possible.Take care of their pet(s), and limit contact between the person who is sick and their pet(s) when possible.

How to emotionally deal with the COVID-19?

The news about coronavirus and its impact on our day-to-day lives has been unrelenting. There’s reason for concern and it makes good sense to take the pandemic seriously. But it’s not good for your mind or your body to be on high alert all the time. Doing so will wear you down emotionally and physically.

Can ibuprofen worsen the symptons of the coronavirus disease?

CDC is currently not aware of scientific evidence establishing a link between NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) and worsening of COVID‑19.

What is the recommended pain reliever for COVID-19?

Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil (ibuprofen), and Motrin (ibuprofen) are safe to take for COVID-19 symptoms as long as you follow the recommended dosage and do not have a condition that indicates you should not take these medications.

What are some of the medications that I can take to reduce the symptoms of COVID-19?

Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) can all be used for pain relief from COVID-19 if they are taken in the recommended doses and approved by your doctor.

How can I treat symptoms of COVID-19 at home?

Your healthcare provider might recommend the following to relieve symptoms and support your body’s natural defenses:• Taking medications, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to reduce fever• Drinking water or receiving intravenous fluids to stay hydrated• Getting plenty of rest to help the body fight the virus