Are You Sick?

When to Call for COVID-19 Diagnosed or Suspected

Care Advice

Diagnosed or Suspected COVID-19 with Mild Symptoms - Treatment

1. COVID-19 Infection: What You Should Know about It
   • You have been diagnosed as having COVID-19 by a positive test (home kit or lab) OR
   • You or your doctor suspect COVID-19 because it is widespread in your community and you have developed symptoms that match.
   • Get a COVID-19 test if you have COVID-19 symptoms or had possible exposure. See Testing section below.
   • Most infections are mild.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Treatment of Symptoms
   • The treatment is the same whether you have COVID-19, influenza or some other respiratory virus.
   • The only difference for COVID-19 is you need to stay on home isolation until you recover (a minimum of 5 full days). Reason: you want to protect other people from getting it.
   • Treat the symptoms that are bothering you the most. See other Care Guides (such as Sore Throat or Cough) for details of treatment, if needed.
   • Antiviral treatments have been developed for patients who are high risk for complications. They work best when given early. Check with your doctor for the most current information.
   • Antibiotics are not helpful for viral infections.
   • You don't need to call or see your doctor unless you are at high risk for complications, develop trouble breathing or become worse in any other way.
3. Fever Treatment
   • For fever above 102° F (39° C) you may use acetaminophen or ibuprofen if the patient is uncomfortable.
   • For fevers between 100° to 102° F (37.8° to 39° C), fever medicines are not needed. Reason: fevers turn on your body's immune system. Fever helps fight the infection.
   • Exception: if the patient also has pain, treat it.
   • Fluids: offer cool fluids in unlimited amounts. Reason: to prevent dehydration. Staying well-hydrated also helps the body sweat and give off heat.
4. Cough Medicines:
   • Over-the-Counter (OTC) Cough Syrups: some people find that cough syrups help decrease coughing. Dextromethorphan is the most common cough suppressant in OTC cough syrups. Often the letters "DM" appear in the name.
   • OTC Cough Drops: cough drops can help a lot. They work best for mild coughs. They soothe the tickling feeling in the back of the throat. Cough drops are easy to carry with you.
   • Home Remedy - Hard Candy: hard candy works just as well as OTC cough drops. People who have diabetes should use sugar-free candy.
   • Home Remedy - Honey: honey has been shown to help decrease coughing at night. The adult dose is 2 teaspoons (10 mL) at bedtime.
5. Sore Throat Pain Relief
   • Sip warm chicken broth or apple juice.
   • Suck on hard candy or a throat lozenge.
   • Gargle with warm salt water four times a day. Make this using ½ teaspoon of salt in 8 oz. (240 mL) of warm water.
   • Avoid smoking.
   • Pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or naproxen (Aleve): use if pain interferes with swallowing. Not needed for mild pain.
6. Muscle Pains - Treatment:
   • COVID-19 can normally cause muscle pains and body aches.
   • Massage: gently massage any sore muscles.
   • Stretching: gently stretch any sore muscles.
   • Apply Heat: use a heat pack, heating pad or warm wet washcloth. Do this for 10 minutes, 3 times daily.
   • Warm bath: for widespread muscle pains, consider a warm bath for 20 minutes 2 times a day. Gently exercise the sore muscles under water.
   • Pain medicine: for widespread body aches, give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) every 4 hours OR ibuprofen (such as Motrin or Advil) every 6 hours as needed. Not needed for mild aches.
7. Fluids - Stay Well Hydrated
   • Drink lots of fluids. Water is best.
   • Goal: keep the patient well hydrated.
   • It loosens up any phlegm in the lungs. Then it's easier to cough up.
   • It also helps the body sweat and give off heat.
8. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Shortness of breath occurs
   • Trouble breathing occurs
   • Your symptoms get worse

COVID-19 Home Isolation Questions

1. Home Isolation is Needed for Those With a Positive COVID-19 Test - With or Without Symptoms:
   • Isolation means separating sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick (CDC). That means stay at home. Length: 5 full days after symptoms started or from the date of the positive test.
   • The sick person does not need to be confined to a single room. Preventing spread of respiratory infections within a home is nearly impossible.
   • The sick person should wear a mask when around others for a full 10 days.
   • The sick person should try to avoid very close contact with other family members. That includes hugging, kissing, sitting next to or sleeping in the same bed. None of this is realistic for young children who need hands-on care.
   • Living with a COVID-19 positive patient implies close contact has happened and continues to occur.
2. Stopping Home Isolation - Must Meet All 3 Requirements (CDC):
   • Fever gone for at least 24 hours after stopping fever-reducing medicines AND
   • Cough and other symptoms are gone or almost gone AND
   • Symptoms started more than 5 days ago.
   • Patients with no symptoms (and no symptoms developed): stay at home until 5 days have passed since the date the sample was collected for their positive COVID-19 test.
   • Summary: must isolate at home for at least 5 days. Then wear a mask around others for another 5 days.
   • If you're not sure it is safe for you to leave isolation, check the CDC website or call your doctor during office hours.
3. How to Protect Others - When You Are Sick:
   • Stay home for at least 5 full days. Do not allow visitors.
   • Wear a face mask for 10 days. Wear a face mask when around others or if you have to go to a medical facility.
   • Do not go to work or school.
   • Cover the Cough. Cough and sneeze into your shirt sleeve or inner elbow. Don't cough into your hand or the air. If available, sneeze into a tissue and throw it into a trash can.
   • Wash hands often with soap and water. After coughing or sneezing are important times.
   • Don't share glasses, plates or eating utensils.
   • Carefully avoid any contact with people 65 years and older and people with weak immune systems or other chronic health problems.

COVID-19 Testing

1. COVID-19 Testing Questions
   • If COVID-19 is suspected, get a test to know for sure. You can’t tell by symptoms. Reason: most respiratory viruses cause similar symptoms.
   • Many doctor’s offices, retail clinics, drug stores and urgent care centers offer testing.
   • Here are some facts that may answer some of your questions:
     • Diagnostic tests are performed on nasal or mouth secretions. The tests can tell us if you have a COVID-19 infection now. Timing is important on when to do this test:
     • With Symptoms. Get a test within 3 days of onset of symptoms.
     • Without Symptoms and a COVID-19 close contact. You can get a test on day 5 after the last day of exposure.
     • Repeat diagnostic tests: after a positive test, repeat tests are not recommended. Positive tests are reliable. Even after it is safe to stop isolation (usually 5 days), tests may stay positive. A positive test does not mean the patient can spread the infection once the required isolation period is completed. After a negative home test, if you have symptoms, re-test at home in 2 days.
     • Antibody Tests are performed on blood. They are rarely needed and not very helpful. They can sometimes tell us if you have antibodies from a previous infection. They are not done until at least 2 to 3 weeks have passed from the start of the infection. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about this test.

COVID-19 Prevention

1. COVID-19 Vaccine - Get Your COVID-19 Shot and a Booster Shot:
   • Vaccines have saved more lives than any other public health action. They are the most powerful weapon we have against deadly infectious diseases. Follow the science.
   • Safe and effective vaccines are now available for people age 6 months and older.
   • Get your COVID-19 vaccine and booster. It could save your life and protect your family.
   • Vaccine Sites: find a nearby vaccine site at vaccines.gov or call your doctor’s office.
2. COVID-19 - How to Protect Yourself and Family from Catching It - The Basics:
   • Get the COVID-19 vaccine and booster(s) when eligible. It is your best protection against this serious infection.
   • Avoid close contact with sick people.
   • Consider wearing a face mask when community spread is high.
   • Wash hands often with soap and water (very important). Always do this before you eat.
   • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if water is not available. Remember: soap and water work better.
   • Don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth unless your hands are clean. Germs on the hands can get into your body this way.
   • Don't share glasses, plates or eating utensils.
   • Don't shake hands. Greet others with a smile and a nod.
3. Social (Safe) Distancing and COVID-19 Prevention:
   • Avoid close contact with people known to have COVID-19 infection.
   • Social Distancing: try to stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from anyone who is sick, especially if they are coughing. Also called physical distancing. Avoid crowds, because you can’t tell who might be sick.
   • If COVID-19 becomes widespread in your community, try to stay 6 feet (2 meters) away from everyone outside your family unit.
   • Wear a mask when entering any public building or crowded outdoor area.
4. Face Masks and COVID-19 Prevention:
   • Overview: face masks help reduce the spread of COVID-19 (and influenza). Reason: people with COVID-19 can have no symptoms, but still spread the virus.
   • Sick people should always wear a face mask, if you are around other people or need to leave the home. Example: for medical visits. Exception: patients with trouble breathing in a mask (CDC). Consider a loose face covering, such as a bandana.
   • Well people should still consider wearing a mask if:
   • You are in indoor public spaces (such as a church or a grocery store).
   • You are in a crowded outdoor setting (e.g., concert, music festival, rally).
   • You are traveling on a plane, bus, train, or other form of public transit.
   • You are in a transportation hub such as an airport or train station.
   • You must be around someone who has symptoms of COVID-19 or has tested positive for COVID-19.
   • Age Limits: face coverings are not recommended for children less than 2 years (CDC).
5. Keep Your Mind and Body Strong:
   • Get your body ready to fight the COVID-19 virus.
   • Get enough sleep (very important).
   • Keep your heart strong. Walk or exercise every day. Take the stairs. Caution: avoid physical exhaustion.
   • Think positive thoughts.
   • Stay well-hydrated.
   • Eat healthy meals.
   • Avoid the over-use of anti-fever medicines like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Fever fights infections and ramps up your immune system.

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.