Managing COVID-19 while at home.
Most people who have COVID-19 will not require hospitalization and can recover at home. There are several resources available for guidance if you are caring for yourself or a loved one at home with COVID-19.
If you experience any emergency warning signs, please seek medical attention immediately. These warning signs include:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent chest pain or pressure
- New confusion
- Bluish lips or face
- Inability to stay awake
- Pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds — depending on skin tone
If you test positive for COVID-19 and have one or more health conditions that increase your risk of becoming very sick, treatment may be available. Contact a health professional right away after a positive test to determine if you may be eligible, even if your symptoms are mild right now. Don’t delay: Treatment must be started within the first few days to be effective.
10 things you can do to manage your COVID-19 symptoms at home.
Stay home except to get medical care.
Monitor your symptoms carefully. If your symptoms get worse, call your healthcare provider immediately.
Get rest and stay hydrated.
If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider ahead of time and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19.
For medical emergencies, call 911 and notify the dispatch personnel that you have or may have COVID-19.
Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
Avoid sharing personal items with other people in your household, like dishes, towels, and bedding.
Clean all surfaces that are touched often, like counters, tabletops, and doorknobs. Use household cleaning sprays or wipes according to the label instructions.
Home care resources and guidance for COVID-19
Self-testing Before Gatherings
Self-tests for COVID-19 are those that can be performed on yourself at home or anywhere. Sometimes a self-test is also called a “home test,” an “at-home test,” or an “over-the-counter (OTC) test.” Self-testing offers fast results. Self-tests are one of several options for testing for the virus that causes COVID-19 and may be more convenient than laboratory-based tests and point-of-care tests.
Along with vaccination, masking, and physical distancing, self-tests before social gatherings help reduce the chance of spreading SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
