What to Do If You Are Sick with Coronavirus

What to Do If You Are Sick

If you are sick or think you might have COVID-19, follow the tips below from the CDC to care for yourself and help protect other people in your home and community.

For more information on what to do if you are sick, see cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html

Watch for symptoms.

People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache

Loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea

Get tested.

If you have symptoms, get tested. Use this directory to find information on testing sites.

While waiting for your test results, stay home and away from others. Monitor your health. Think about the people you have been around. Answer phone calls from the health department. These discussions are confidential.

Stay home.

If you have COVID-19, stay home, except to get medical care.

Stay home. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care.
Stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Use a separate bathroom, if available. If you need to be around others, wear a mask.
Take care of yourself. Get rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, to help you feel better.
Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care.
Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
Tell your close contacts that they may have been exposed to COVID-19.

Monitor your symptoms.

Monitor your symptoms carefully. If your symptoms get worse, call your healthcare provider immediately.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention.

Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:

Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion
Inability to wake or stay awake
Pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds, depending on skin tone

*This list does not include all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you. Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.

Wear a mask.

Wear a mask over your nose and mouth, secured under your chin.

Wear a mask if you must be around other people or animals, including pets.
Do not use masks on children under 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone who cannot remove it without help.

Cover your coughs and sneezes.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

Clean your hands often.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.

Avoid sharing personal household items.

Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding.

Clean daily.

Clean surfaces frequently touched, like counters, tabletops, and doorknobs.

Coronavirus Safety Tips

Accessible Resources

Precautions for People at Higher Risk

Coping with Stress and Economic Impact

Information for Family Caregivers

People Who Are Not Documented

Individuals Who Are Not Insured

Preparing for Disaster

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