The RAT may be negative early in the illness. Test again tomorrow or the next day.

See https://www.arphs.health.nz/information-for-people-with-negative-covid-19-results for more information

Days 1–3

Early symptoms of COVID-19 vary widely.

• It can start with a tickle in your throat, a cough, fever or headache. You may also feel short of breath or a little pressure in your chest.
• Sometimes it begins with a bout of diarrhoea (runny poo).
• You may feel tired and/or may lose your sense of taste and smell.
• You may experience some or none of these symptoms.

Even if you have a mild COVID-19 infection, avoid running, workouts, weights and high impact activities until you’ve been cleared by your healthcare team.

Days 4–6

These are important days to be more aware of your symptoms. This is when lung (respiratory) symptoms may start to get worse, especially for older people and people who have other conditions like high blood pressure, obesity or diabetes.

• You may start to feel worse and may have aches, chills, cough and an inability to get comfortable.
• Some younger people may develop rashes, including itchy red patches, swelling or blistering on your toes or fingers.

Days 7–8

• For people with mild illness, the worst is generally over after a week.
• Some people may get worse at this point, or start to feel better briefly then take a turn for the worse.
• If you start to feel worse, contact us on 092777830 during business hours (or, out of hours, Healthline on 0800‑358-5453) . 

Days 8–12 (week 2)

Continue to monitor your symptoms and record them in your diary.

• You may feel better sleeping on your front/stomach or side (see graphic below).
• If you start to feel worse, on 092777830 during business hours (or, out of hours, Healthline on 0800‑358-5453) . 

Days 13–14

• Most people will feel better by now. Some people feel more tired than usual.
• A slow return to activity is advised.
• If you have ongoing severe symptoms, your healthcare team will advise you what to do.
• This is why recording your symptoms is so important.

There is no specific treatment for COVID-19. It is important to rest at home and drink plenty of fluids.

Treatment is aimed at easing your symptoms. We suggest the following medicines to ease your symptoms.

• Aches and pains: Paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with fever, headaches and body aches.
• Blocked or runny nose, or cough: Nasal sprays, decongestants, lozenges or cough mixtures.
• Sore throat: Suck a teaspoon of honey or gargle with salt water. You can also try using a gargle, throat spray or pain-relief (anaesthetic) lozenges.
• Vomiting (being sick) and diarrhoea (runny poo): The most important thing is to drink plenty of fluids, to avoid dehydration.  

For more detailed information on managing your symptoms click here

It’s important to know when to seek help.

• Use this Readiness Checklist to ensure your household is prepared if someone gets COVID-19
• Isolate at home (or in other suitable accommodation). Make sure you always have your phone with you and answer any calls. The isolation advice may change over time and family members or close contacts may have to isolate for different times so it’s important to check the Ministry of Health website for latest advice.

You will need to isolate for 10 days from when you became unwell, or tested positive.