Documenting my COVID-19 experience from 8/11 to 8/21, as I've nearly fully recovered. This is especially for those struggling with unbearable throat pain and sleepless nights.

Symptoms

In my family of four, three of us got infected. Here's a timeline:

Day -2

My wife started having throat pain. Unable to get an immediate doctor's appointment, we separated sleeping areas: she stayed downstairs, and I and the kids upstairs.

Day -1

I bought antigen test kits after visiting a few stores. My wife tested positive. No symptoms in me or the kids.

Day 0

I began to feel a slight throat discomfort. Wife was bedridden. I managed the household chores.

Day 1

I developed a fever of 38°C and joint pain. After testing positive, I isolated myself. My wife began to recover. Kids still symptom-free.

Day 2

Joint pain improved, but I had a headache and continued fever. Wife nearly recovered, but our daughter suddenly had a high fever of 39°C.

Day 3

My fever dropped, feeling generally better. Daughter's fever fluctuated between 38-40°C.

Day 4

Experienced severe throat pain, making swallowing difficult. Benza Block L Premium provided some relief. Struggled with sleep due to blocked nose and throat.

Day 5

Persisting throat pain. Despite difficulties, I got an emergency appointment at a local clinic and received medication, which improved my sleep.

Day 6

Throat pain was constant. Realized that relaxing while swallowing reduced the pain. Continued with medication.

Day 7

Throat pain started to decrease. I could eat normally.

Day 8

Throat pain was 90% better, but I developed a mild cough.

Day 9

Throat pain completely gone, cough continued.

Insights on Coping with COVID-19: Managing Throat Pain and Congestion

Sharing my recent COVID-19 experience, focusing on remedies for severe throat pain and sleep disruptions.

Nasal Congestion Relief

Previously, I would lie down with the congested side up for relief. However, a Twitter suggestion to apply pressure under the armpit on the opposite side of the congestion proved effective, clearing it within minutes.

Medication Insights

Ibuprofen was the most effective for throat pain, due to its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. The maximum daily dose is 600mg. Over-the-counter Benza Block L Premium also contains 600mg but may wear off during sleep if taken too early. Adjusting the timing for bedtime consumption is beneficial.

Intense Throat Pain

I underestimated the severity of throat pain. It was excruciating, feeling like being pricked with needles every time I swallowed saliva, happening hundreds of times a day. Avoid clenching teeth while swallowing to minimize pain.

Dietary Adjustments

While feverish, sports drinks are recommended, but they can be harsh on the throat. I found a mixture of honey, ginger, lemon juice, and hot water soothing, especially when cooled with ice. For food, cold jelly and udon noodles were tolerable. Avoid spicy and rough-textured foods.

Summary

For those suffering from throat pain, consider these tips:

• Avoid clenching teeth when swallowing saliva.
• Take ibuprofen an hour before bedtime.
• Ensure adequate sleep and nutrition.

Preventing a cycle of pain-induced sleep and appetite loss, which further weakens the immune system, is crucial. Early and proper throat care is also key. I hope this helps others enduring similar struggles.