The emergence of new, highly transmissible variants means that many people will experience a COVID-19 infection at some point. While the virus can still cause severe illness, most healthy individuals who are up-to-date on vaccinations will likely experience symptoms that are manageable at home. If you suspect you have contracted the virus, understanding the appropriate public health guidance and medical steps is important for your recovery and the protection of your community.
Immediate Steps and Testing Options
The moment symptoms appear, such as a sore throat, fever, or fatigue, immediately isolate yourself from others, even before a positive test result is confirmed. This initial step helps to limit the virus’s spread within your household and community while you determine the cause of your illness. You should also reach out to your primary care physician to discuss your symptoms and any potential risk factors you may have for severe disease.
The two main diagnostic tools available are the rapid antigen test and the molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Antigen tests, which can be performed quickly at home, look for specific proteins on the surface of the virus. They are highly accurate when positive, indicating a high viral load. However, they are less sensitive than PCR tests, meaning they can produce a false negative result, especially early in the infection cycle.
The PCR test is considered the gold standard because it detects the virus’s genetic material. While PCR results take longer to process, a negative rapid antigen test should be followed up with a PCR test or a repeat antigen test 48 hours later if symptoms persist. Getting tested quickly is important if you are at an increased risk for severe illness, as treatment options are time-sensitive.
Caring for Yourself While Sick
Most people who contract COVID-19 experience mild to moderate symptoms that can be managed with focused rest and over-the-counter remedies at home. Prioritizing rest allows your body to dedicate its energy to fighting the infection, which is important given that fatigue is a common symptom. Maintaining adequate hydration is also important, as fever and other symptoms can lead to fluid loss; focus on water, broths, and non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages.
For managing general discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help alleviate headaches, muscle aches, and high temperatures. If you have a persistent cough, an expectorant medication can help loosen mucus for a wet cough, while a cough suppressant may offer relief for a dry, irritating cough. Sore throat pain can be soothed by warm liquids, such as tea with honey, or by using cough drops and lozenges.
Carefully monitor your symptoms and track your temperature regularly. For those at high risk of severe illness, such as older adults or individuals with certain underlying health conditions, antiviral medications like Paxlovid are available by prescription. These treatments must be started within five to seven days of symptom onset to be effective at reducing the risk of hospitalization and death, underscoring the need for prompt testing and communication with a healthcare provider.
Stopping the Spread to Others
To prevent transmission, stay home and away from others until your symptoms have shown significant improvement for at least 24 hours, and you have not had a fever without the aid of fever-reducing medication. This recommendation applies regardless of your vaccination status. Following this initial period, take additional precautions for the subsequent five days, including consistently wearing a high-quality, well-fitting mask when you are around other people indoors.
Within your home, minimize contact with other household members, ideally by staying in a separate room and using a separate bathroom if possible. If you must share space, both you and others should wear masks, and frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected regularly. Notify anyone you have been in close contact with in the days leading up to your symptom onset or positive test so they can take appropriate precautions.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention
While most COVID-19 cases are mild, recognize the definitive warning signs that require immediate professional medical intervention. These signs indicate a severe progression of the illness that necessitates emergency care. Do not wait for symptoms to improve if you notice any of these serious indicators.
Call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency department if you experience:
- Trouble breathing.
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest.
- New confusion.
- Inability to wake up or stay awake.
- A change in skin color (pale, gray, or blue-tinged skin, lips, or nail beds), which indicates low oxygen levels.
If seeking emergency care, inform the dispatcher or hospital staff immediately that you suspect you have COVID-19 so they can prepare to treat you appropriately while protecting others.