J.K. Rowling Shares Doctor’s Technique for Relieving Respiratory Symptoms

We’ve loved how J.K. Rowling has been so helpful during this coronavirus pandemic. First, she loosened the license on the Harry Potter books to allow teachers to post videos of themselves reading the books for their students’ viewing and listening pleasure. Then, she announced Harry Potter at Home, a new website that brings the magic to children of all ages.

What we didn’t know was that Rowling has been having symptoms of COVID-19. She has not been tested, but she suspects that she in fact has been battling the novel coronavirus for the past 2 weeks.

Rowling is not asking for our sympathy. In fact, she shared on Twitter that she has actually fully recovered, and she wants us to know about a technique that she found helpful.

First of all, this is medical advice from a tweet from an author. Sure, the advice is from a doctor, but it does not replace advice from your own doctor or the CDC. We definitely recommend calling your doctor if you think you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and following the advice you are given.

So, what technique did Rowling find helpful? It’s a breathing technique. That makes sense since the risk with COVID-19 is that it could progress into pneumonia, which you really want avoid if at all possible. It is important to get oxygen to your lungs.

The technique sounds fairly simple. First, you take a deep breath and hold it for 5 seconds. You do this 5 times for a total of 5 deep breathes, holding each one for 5 seconds. On the 6th breath, you take a deep breath and then cough (be sure to cover your cough). Repeat this process one more time. After the 2nd set of deep breathes and a cough, lie down on your stomach with a pillow in front of you for 10 minutes. It is important to avoid lying down on your back.

Watch the video below to see a demonstration of this breathing technique and to hear why it could be an effective way to help treat COVID-19.

Are you going to try this breathing technique? Have you had any symptoms of COVID-19? We’d love to know if you find this breathing technique helpful.