What To Do If You Think You Have COVID-19
During these challenging times, it’s especially important to continue to look after your health. What would you do if woke up one morning with a mild fever and dry cough? Of course, it could be nothing more than the common cold or an allergy. But, it could also be the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). How can you tell the difference? It’s not always easy. Not everyone who is infected with COVID-19 develops symptoms or becomes ill.
Important Steps To Take
If you’re concerned about COVID-19, here’s what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and many other public health experts suggest:
- Self-monitor for symptoms – The hallmark signs of COVID-19 are fever, persistent coughing, and shortness of breath. Other signs to watch for include chills, muscle pain, headache, a sore throat, diarrhea, and a new loss of taste or smell.
- Stay home – Many people who are infected with COVID-19 experience only mild illness and can recover at home by getting plenty of rest, staying well-hydrated, and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever or fever reducer, if needed.
- Self-isolate – COVID-19 is highly contagious and easily spreads via airborne respiratory droplets. If you believe you are infected, separate yourself from others, including members of your household. Do not share personal items such as dishes, drinking glasses, eating utensils, bedding, and towels.
- Wash your hands – Frequent handwashing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs, including those that cause the coronavirus. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer instead.
- Cover your nose and mouth – If you need to leave home for a doctor’s appointment, grocery shopping, or another reason, wear a cloth face mask in public places. When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a clean tissue, then dispose of the tissue properly in a lined wastebasket and wash your hands.
