What to Do if You Are Sick

• Stay home: Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care.
• Stay in touch with your doctor: Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other emergency warning signs.
• Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.

• Stay away from others: As much as possible, you stay away from others. You should stay in a specific “sick room” if possible, and away from other people and pets in your home. Use a separate bathroom, if available.

• Many medical visits for routine care are postponed or done by phone or telemedicine.
• If you have a medical appointment that cannot be postponed, call your doctor’s office and tell them you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the office protect themselves and other patients.

• You should wear a cloth face covering, over your nose and mouth if you must be around other people even at home.

• Cover: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Dispose: Throw used tissues in a lined trash can.
• Wash hands: Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

• Wash hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Do not share: Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with others in your home.
• Wash thoroughly after use: After using these items, wash them thoroughly with soap and water or put in the dishwasher.

Clean high-touch surfaces in your isolation area (“sick room” and bathroom) every day; let somebody else clean and disinfect surfaces in other areas of the home.

• Clean and disinfect: If another person needs to clean and disinfect a sick person’s bedroom or bathroom, wear a mask and wait as long as possible after the sick person has used the bathroom.

• Clean and disinfect areas that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them.
• Household cleaners and disinfectants: Clean the area or item with soap and water or another detergent. Then, use a household disinfectant.
  • Be sure to follow the instructions on the label to ensure the safe and effective use of the product.
  • Use EPA-registered household disinfectants.

• Common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever and cough.
• If you are having trouble breathing, seek medical attention, but call first.
  • Call your doctor or emergency room before going in and tell them your symptoms.
• Wear a cloth face covering (covers your nose and mouth).
• Follow care instructions from your healthcare provider and local health department.
• Practice social distancing

If you develop these warning signs for COVID-19, get medical attention immediately.

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all-inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other severe or concerning symptoms.

People with COVID-19 who have stayed home (home isolated) can stop home isolation under the following conditions:

• For untested individuals:
  • You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (three days);
  • Other symptoms have improved; and
  • At least seven days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.
• You received two negative tests in a row, 24 hours apart.

* The decision to stop home isolation should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider and state and local health departments.