There is currently no specific approved treatment or vaccine for the corona virus.

Treatment should be focused around symptom relief, so we advise the following:

• Paracetamol for high temperature, aches and pains
• Over the counter cough medicines or natural remedies such as honey and lemon or salt-water for gargling.
• Honey acts as cough suppressant. Mix 2 teaspoons with warm water or an herbal tea. Drink this mixture once or twice a day. Do not give honey to children under 1 year of age.
• Ginger may ease dry coughs due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It may also relieve nausea and pain. Brew up a soothing ginger tea by adding 20-40 grams of fresh ginger slices to a cup of hot water. Add honey and/or lemon (good source of Vitamin C) to improve the taste and further soothe the cough. Stop use if you experience stomach upset or heartburn.
• Salt-water gargle is a simple and effective remedy for treating sore throat and wet cough. Salt water reduces phlegm and mucus in the back of the throat which can lessen the cough. Stir half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water until it dissolves. Allow to cool. Let the mixture sit at the back of the throat for a few moments before spitting it out. Can be used several times each day. Avoid salt water in young children due to risk of swallowing.
• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Hot beverages have been shown to alleviate even more symptoms.
• Steam. A wet cough and/or nasal congestion may improve with steam. Take a hot shower or bath and allow the bathroom to fill with steam. Stay in this steam for a few minutes until symptoms subside. Alternatively, place hot water into an appropriate large bowl. You may choice to add herbs or essential oils e.g. eucalyptus or rosemary – which may relieve congestion. Lean over the bowl and place a towel over your head and the bowl, trapping the steam. Inhale vapor for 5 minutes. Discontinue for a few minutes if steam feels hot on the skin.
• Immune–boosting supplements. Consider taking zinc, Vitamin C and probiotics

Remember:

• There is no benefit of antibiotics for viral infections, they only help with bacterial infections.
• Decontaminate hands after coughing and sneezing. Use tissue over handkerchiefs.
• Dispose used tissues immediately
• Clean surfaces you touch regularly
• Carry tissues with you but if you do not have one, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Get enough sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours to stay fit and healthy
• Try to avoid stress and panic. Stress is known to affect the immune system, increasing the risk of getting sick. To avoid stress, exercise regularly, meditate and practice deep breathing.