A positive COVID-19 test brings a wave of questions and concerns. Understanding the immediate actions to take, what to expect from the illness, and how to manage your health can provide a clear path forward. This guide offers an overview to help navigate the period from diagnosis through recovery.
Immediate Steps After a Positive Test
After a positive test, the priority is preventing transmission. This begins with isolation by staying home and separating yourself from others. If you live with other people, stay in a specific room and use a separate bathroom if possible. Improving ventilation by opening windows or using air purifiers can also reduce viral particles in your home.
The next step is to notify your close contacts. A close contact is anyone you were less than 6 feet away from for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. This exposure period starts two days before your symptoms began or, if you have no symptoms, two days before your positive test. Promptly informing these individuals allows them to get tested, monitor their health, and take precautions. Many public health departments offer anonymous notification tools online.
Common Symptoms and Illness Progression
COVID-19 presents with a wide array of symptoms, which can appear between two and 14 days after exposure. Common symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Congestion
A new loss of taste or smell is also a documented indicator, though its frequency can vary with viral variants. Some individuals may also experience digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
For most people with mild to moderate illness, the first few days may involve fever and fatigue, followed by a cough or sore throat. The course of the illness is individual, with symptoms fluctuating or gradually improving over a period of up to two weeks.
Managing Symptoms and Seeking Medical Care
For mild cases, managing symptoms at home focuses on rest and hydration. Drinking plenty of fluids is important, especially with a fever. Over-the-counter medications can help manage discomfort. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can reduce fever and muscle aches, while medications with guaifenesin (Mucinex) or dextromethorphan (Robitussin) may relieve cough and congestion.
Monitor your symptoms and know when to seek medical help. Emergency warning signs include trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, and an inability to wake or stay awake. Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds also require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of these, call 911 or your local emergency facility.
Antiviral treatments may be an option for individuals at higher risk of severe disease, including older adults and those with certain underlying medical conditions. Medications like Paxlovid can reduce illness severity and the risk of hospitalization. These treatments are most effective when started within a few days of symptom onset, so contact a healthcare provider after testing positive to determine eligibility.
Ending Isolation and Recovery
Public health guidelines for ending isolation use a symptom-based approach. You can end isolation when you have been fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications and your other symptoms are improving. This may be shorter or longer than the previously recommended five-day minimum, depending on your symptoms.
After ending isolation, take additional precautions for the next five days. This includes wearing a well-fitting mask, keeping a distance from others, and improving ventilation. Even if you feel better, you may still be able to spread the virus, and these measures help protect high-risk individuals. Full recovery can take time, and it is not uncommon for fatigue to linger after other symptoms have resolved.