You’re more likely to have COVID-19 if there is community spread in your area, you’ve come into contact with someone who may be infected, or you’ve recently traveled somewhere with high rates of community transmission. If you’re coughing, cover your mouth with a tissue or your sleeve so others won’t get infected. You may also wear a surgical mask to trap droplets that might infect others. While you’re sick, stay away from people who are in high-risk groups for infection and complications, such as people who are 65 and older, babies, children, pregnant women, and people who are taking medication to suppress their immune system.
When you have a fever, you’re likely contagious with whatever illness you have. Protect others by staying home. Keep in mind that a fever is a symptom of a lot of illnesses, so it doesn’t necessarily mean you have COVID-19.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this strain of coronavirus can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia. Contact your doctor immediately if you’re having any breathing issues just to be safe. [5] X Trustworthy Source World Health Organization Health information and news provided by the World Health Organization Go to source
It’s understandable that you’d be worried, but try to remember that it’s unlikely that you have COVID-19 if you don’t have a fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
Let your doctor’s office staff know that you think you may have a COVID-19 infection before you arrive. That way, they can take precautions to prevent you from potentially spreading the disease to other patients.
You can also check your city or county’s website to find testing centers near you. Some drugstores offer COVID-19 testing, as well. Look at the testing center’s website or call them to find out if you need to make an appointment, show proof of ID, or follow any other guidelines.
Keep your doctor updated on your symptoms and their progression. They can recommend specific medications and advise if or when you need to go to the hospital for more advanced treatment.
Keep your doctor updated on your symptoms and their progression. They can recommend specific medications and advise if or when you need to go to the hospital for more advanced treatment.
Difficulty breathing or severe shortness of breath Bluish lips or face Pain or pressure in your chest Growing confusion or difficulty arousing
Monoclonal antibodies (may also be given to non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients at a lower dose) to prevent the progression of COVID-19[17] X Research source Antiviral medication (Remdesivir) to slow the virus and keep it from spreading to other parts of your body[18] X Research source Convalescent plasma (containing antibodies from recovered patients) can help your immune system respond more effectively to the virus. However, current guidelines find there is not enough evidence to recommend this treatment. [19] X Research source
Ask your doctor for advice about when you can return to your regular activities. They may recommend waiting for up to 14 days or even longer after your symptoms have cleared up. [21] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Never give aspirin to children or teens under 18, since it can cause a potentially fatal condition called Reye’s Syndrome. Always follow the dosing instructions on the label or given to you by your doctor or pharmacist. Before taking any medication, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or nursing.
Taking a hot shower or sitting in the bathroom with the shower running can also bring relief and help loosen up mucus in your lungs and sinuses.
Warm liquids, such as broth, tea, or warm water with lemon, can be especially soothing if you have a cough or sore throat.
Your doctor may test you again to see if you still have coronavirus. If tests aren’t available, they may allow you to leave your home after you’re not showing symptoms for at least 72 hours.
As of June 2021, there are 3 vaccines generally available: the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. The CDC has plenty of information available about each of these vaccines so you can choose the one that’s best for you. Different vaccine locations offer different vaccines. If there’s a specific one you want, you can search for a location that offers that vaccine—just be aware that you may have to travel a longer distance to get a specific vaccine.
If you have a social gathering with unvaccinated friends or family, limit your guest count to 10 or fewer people and continue to maintain a distance of 6 ft between you and other guests.
The CDC does recommend that vaccinated people wear masks indoors in public in areas where transmission is substantial or high. [32] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
To ensure you’re washing long enough, try singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice while you wash your hands. Use hand sanitizer if you are unable to use soap and water.
If someone in your household is sick, clean any dishes or utensils immediately with hot water and detergent. Additionally, clean any contaminated linens, such as sheets and pillowcases, in hot water.
Having close personal contact with an infected person, such as hugging, kissing, shaking hands, or being close to them for a long period of time (e. g. , sitting next to them on a bus or plane) Sharing cups, utensils, or personal items with an infected person Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after touching an infected person Having contact with infected fecal matter (for example, if you changed the diaper of an infected baby or toddler).
Throw away any used tissues immediately and then wash your hands in warm soap and water. If a coughing or sneezing fit catches you by surprise or you don’t have a tissue on hand, cover your nose and mouth with the crook of your elbow instead of your hand. This way, you’re less likely to spread the virus around when you touch things.
Always avoid contact with any animals that are obviously sick.
