A positive COVID-19 test result can bring uncertainty, but for most people, the illness will be mild. Clear, actionable steps exist to manage the infection and prevent transmission. The priority is protecting your health and the well-being of those around you by following current public health guidance for isolation and symptom management.
Immediate Isolation and Notification
The moment you receive a positive test result, the immediate action is to stay home to minimize the risk of spreading the virus. This isolation should continue until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your other symptoms are noticeably improving. This symptom-based approach is now the general standard.
Separating yourself from other people in your household is an important step to protect them from infection. This involves staying in a specific room and, if possible, using a separate bathroom until you meet the criteria for ending isolation. If you must share space, you should wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask whenever you are around others in the home.
A high-quality mask, such as an N95 or KN95, should be used while symptomatic and during the precautionary period afterward. You must also notify anyone you have been in close contact with, such as family, friends, or employers, about your positive result so they can monitor for symptoms and take precautions.
Managing Symptoms at Home
Most individuals will experience mild-to-moderate symptoms manageable with self-care at home. The goals of at-home care are to maintain comfort and support your body’s immune response. Consistent and adequate rest is necessary, as it provides the energy required to fight the infection.
Managing fever and body aches often involves using over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are commonly recommended options for temporary relief from discomfort and elevated temperature. It is important to follow the dosing instructions precisely and avoid exceeding the maximum daily limits, particularly with acetaminophen, which can be taxing on the liver.
Hydration is particularly important, especially if you have a fever, which can lead to fluid loss through sweating. Drinking plenty of water, broth, or electrolyte-containing beverages helps replace lost fluids and supports overall bodily function. Warm liquids, such as tea with honey, can also provide soothing relief for a sore throat and persistent cough.
For respiratory symptoms, a cool-mist humidifier in your isolation room can help moisten the air, which may ease coughing and congestion. If you have a productive cough, an over-the-counter expectorant can help thin mucus, while a cough suppressant may be used for dry, disruptive coughing. You may also consider monitoring your blood oxygen level using a pulse oximeter, if available, though this should not replace professional medical guidance.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Care
While most cases are mild, monitor for signs that your illness may be progressing to a more severe stage requiring professional attention. Any sudden or persistent worsening of symptoms should prompt an immediate call to your healthcare provider or emergency services.
Immediate emergency medical attention is needed if you experience any of the following severe warning signs:
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath, particularly while resting.
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest.
- New confusion or a change in mental status.
- Inability to wake up or stay awake.
- Pale, gray, or blue-colored lips, nail beds, or skin (indicating low blood oxygen levels).
For individuals who are at a higher risk of severe illness—including those over the age of 65, those with underlying chronic conditions, or those who are immunocompromised—prompt consultation with a healthcare provider is essential, even for mild symptoms. Certain antiviral treatments, such as Paxlovid, can significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization and death, but they must be started within a narrow window, typically within five days of symptom onset. Discussing treatment eligibility immediately upon a positive test is recommended.
Criteria for Ending Isolation
You can end strict isolation and return to routine activities when two criteria are met: you must be fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, and your other COVID-19 symptoms must be mild and improving overall.
Once you meet these criteria, you should still take extra precautions for the next five days to protect others as you may still be contagious. This involves wearing a well-fitting mask when you are around other people, both indoors and in public settings. If your symptoms worsen or a fever returns after you have ended isolation, you should immediately revert to staying home until you again meet the 24-hour fever-free and symptom-improving criteria.