So you think you have covid-19. Don’t panic!
For many people, this will simply mean feeling ill for a little while. Fever and cough can be treated with medicine (NSAIDs like ibuprofen are cautioned against, but acetaminophen seems to be effective and safe), but make sure to call your doctor as soon as you start noticing symptoms.
The good news is that social isolation, the more confined version of social distancing, is recommended by the CDC to prevent the spreading of disease to others in your household or neighborhood. Some basics of isolation are presented here, and more information can be found on the CDC website here: https://www.cdc.gov/…/…/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html
- Contact your doctor: CALL FIRST! Your doctor or a local clinic can give you instructions on next steps based on your symptoms.
- Stay away from others: Stay in your own home, and isolate yourself from those you live with.
- Wear a mask and cover coughs and sneezes: If you need to be around others in your home, cover your mouth with a mask. Sneeze or cough into your elbow.
- Wash your hands: Wash your hands often, especially if you are interacting with things in your home that others are touching
- Clean common surfaces: Disinfect surfaces that you or others touch daily, both in your “sick room” and the house.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, and if you have severe symptoms including inability to breathe or prolonged pain, seek medical treatment
