Anyone who develops symptoms should avoid others (isolate) and get tested (PCR or rapid antigen). Isolate while waiting for your test results.

If positive, follow isolation guidance. If negative, stay home until symptoms resolve. If symptoms worsen or change, follow up with your medical provider and consider getting another COVID-19 test

Symptoms of COVID-19 include (new/different/worse from baseline of chronic illness): temperature 100.4+ or signs of fever (chills/sweating), sore throat, new onset of cough, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, new onset of headache, loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle aches.

Follow the isolation guidance on the CDC's website.

• Español: Aislamiento y precauciones para personas con COVID-19

Recommendations for Isolating a Sick Person to Protect Other Household Members

• Stay in a separate room from the rest of your household members. 
• Use a separate bathroom if possible. 
• Keep toothbrushes separate if you must use the same bathroom. 
• Family and roommates should avoid contact with sick person. 
• Wear a mask if you go into shared spaces.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects. Learn about disinfecting your home if someone is sick.
• Review our specific recommendations for Isolation, Quarantine, Self-Monitoring and Social Distancing:  English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Arabic

Managing Symptoms at Home

• Many can manage mild symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, fatigue, abdominal cramps, mild nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, at home. Consult with your health care provider about managing your symptoms.
• Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) for fever. Follow label instructions and do not exceed the maximum dose per day for any medication. Contact your healthcare provider if you have questions about your personal health.
• Stay hydrated by drinking water or sports drinks. Eat when possible. 
• Review 10 ways to manage respiratory symptoms at home from CDC.

When to Seek Medical Care

If you test positive for COVID-19, talk to your primary care provider or an urgent care provider right away to see if you qualify for treatment. This is especially important for those who are high risk. Learn more about treatments here.

Call your doctor if you have: 

• Fever that does not come down with medication. 
• Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours or any bloody diarrhea. 
• Shortness of breath.
• Symptoms that keep getting worse and feel unmanageable.
• Other reported symptoms include: chills, repeated shaking with chills, severe tiredness, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, runny nose, and/or a new loss of taste or smell

Call ahead to the Emergency Department or Call 9-1-1 if you have: 

• Difficulty breathing/inability to catch your breath. 
• Chest pain or persistent pressure. 
• Feel faint, light-headed, new confusion, or unstable in any other way.
• Bluish lips or face

When Seeking Care at a Health Care Facility:

• Call ahead to get instructions from your health care provider. 
• Avoid using public transportation to get to your medical provider or emergency department. Do not use busses, Uber, Lyft, or taxi cabs. If you are unable to drive yourself and do not have a ride, call 9-1-1 for transport by ambulance. Inform them of your symptoms ahead of time. 
• If a family member or friend is giving you a ride, wear a mask while you are in the vehicle with them. 
• If you are driving yourself, put on a mask before exiting your vehicle.

Follow the guidance on the CDC's website.

• Español: Qué hacer si estuvo expuesto al COVID-19