If you test positive for COVID-19, here are the key steps you should take:
Immediate Actions
- Stay home and isolate to avoid spreading the virus to others, especially those at high risk of severe illness
- Contact your healthcare provider to inform them of your positive test and discuss your symptoms and any underlying health conditions. Early treatment may be beneficial
- Rest and stay hydrated. Use over-the-counter medications to manage symptoms like fever or pain
Monitoring Symptoms
- Monitor your symptoms closely. Seek emergency care if you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, inability to stay awake, or bluish skin/lips
- If symptoms worsen or return after initial improvement, resume isolation and contact your healthcare provider
Isolation Period
- Stay isolated for at least 5 days from symptom onset or from the date of your positive test if asymptomatic
- You can end isolation after 5 full days if you have been fever-free for 24 hours without medication and your symptoms are improving
- Continue to take precautions (mask-wearing, distancing) for an additional 5 days after isolation ends to reduce transmission risk
Protecting Others
- Wear a well-fitting mask around others, especially indoors and in shared spaces
- Avoid close contact with people at higher risk of severe COVID-19
- If living with others, try to stay in a separate room, use a separate bathroom if possible, and practice good hand and respiratory hygiene
When to Seek Medical Help
- Contact a healthcare provider if you are at high risk for severe illness or if symptoms worsen
- Call emergency services if you have severe symptoms like trouble breathing or chest pain
Additional Recommendations
- Continue to clean frequently touched surfaces and improve indoor ventilation
- Notify close contacts so they can monitor symptoms and consider testing
- Avoid travel and crowded places during your isolation and precaution period
Following these guidelines helps you recover safely and prevents spreading COVID-19 to others.
