What to do when you have COVID-19
Prevention is top of mind for us all. But what if you get sick with COVID-19? Here is the latest from the CDC on what to do when you test positive.
First: prevent spreading the infection
- Stay home except to get medical care
- Isolate in your home for 10 days
- Wear a mask if others could have contact with you
- Tell everyone you’ve been in contact with
Second: Take care of yourself
- Get lots of rest
- Stay hydrated
- Take over-the-counter medicines, to help with symptoms
-Acetaminophen for pain and fever
-Nasal decongestants
-Throat lozenges - Monitor your symptoms
- Stay in touch with your doctor
Third: know when to seek emergency care
If you or someone in your home is showing any of the following symptoms, get emergency medical care immediately:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
Fourth: Call your doctor or care facility before visiting
Call ahead for any medical appointments or if you are seeking care for your COVID-19 diagnosis.
Fifth: Know when it’s safe to be around others
Don’t end your isolation before all 3 of the below have occurred:
- 10 days have passed since showing symptoms
- All symptoms have cleared
- You have no fever for at least 24 hours without medication