December 7, 2021

Testing positive for COVID-19

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: 

  1. 10 days have passed since showing symptoms
  2. All symptoms have cleared 
  3. You have no fever for at least 24 hours without medication

Recent Articles