• Know the Symptoms: Understand the difference between common COVID-19 symptoms like fever and cough, and emergency warning signs like difficulty breathing, which require immediate medical attention.

• Act Quickly if Sick or Exposed: If you test positive, have symptoms, or were in close contact with an infected person, it’s crucial to isolate and follow public health guidelines to protect others.

• Prevention is Key: Staying up-to-date with vaccinations, improving ventilation, considering masks in crowded spaces, and practicing good hand hygiene are effective ways to reduce your risk.

• Seek Trusted Information: Rely on official sources like your local public health department for the most accurate and current guidance on testing, treatment, and vaccines.

Key Symptoms of COVID-19: What to Watch For

COVID-19 can look different for everyone, but some symptoms are more common than others. It’s helpful to know what to look for. The most frequently reported signs include fever or chills, a persistent cough, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, and a new loss of taste or smell.

Common Symptoms vs. Emergency Warning Signs

It’s normal to feel anxious if you’re feeling unwell, but it’s vital to distinguish between mild symptoms you can likely manage at home and serious signs that require immediate medical help. Pay close attention to your body and don’t hesitate to seek care if you experience severe symptoms. The table below, based on guidance from health authorities like the CDC, can help you tell the difference.

Common Symptoms (Usually Manageable at Home)	Emergency Warning Signs (Seek Immediate Medical Care)
Fever or chills	Trouble breathing
Cough	Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
Fatigue	New confusion
Muscle or body aches	Inability to wake or stay awake
Headache	Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
Sore throat
New loss of taste or smell

This list is not all-inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

What to Do If You Are Sick or Have Been Exposed

Feeling sick or learning you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 can be stressful and confusing. The most important thing is to act responsibly to protect yourself and those around you. Here is a clear, step-by-step guide for different situations you might be facing right now.

Step 1: If You Test Positive for COVID-19

Receiving a positive test result means you have the virus and can spread it to others. It’s crucial to take immediate steps to prevent further transmission.

1. Isolate: Stay home and separate yourself from others in your household as much as possible. Use a separate bedroom and bathroom if you can.

2. Monitor Symptoms: Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and keep an eye on your symptoms. Use over-the-counter medicines for fever if needed.

3. Inform Close Contacts: Let anyone you were recently in close contact with know about your positive test so they can take precautions.

Step 2: If You Have Symptoms but Haven’t Tested

If you’re feeling sick with COVID-like symptoms, it’s best to act as if you have it until you know for sure. This is the safest approach for your community.

• Assume you are contagious and begin to isolate yourself from others.

• Get tested as soon as possible to confirm if you have COVID-19. Both at-home antigen tests and lab-based PCR tests are effective tools.

• Wear a high-quality mask if you must be around other people.

Step 3: If You Were in Close Contact with an Infected Person

Exposure doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get sick, but you should still take precautions. “Close contact” generally means being within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period.

• Monitor yourself for any symptoms for 10 days after your last contact.

• Consider wearing a mask when around others, especially indoors.

• Get tested at least 5 full days after your last exposure, even if you don’t develop symptoms.

How to Protect Yourself and Others (Prevention)

While we can’t eliminate all risk, there are several proven, common-sense strategies you can use to significantly reduce your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. These layers of protection work together to keep you and your community safer, especially those who are most vulnerable to severe illness.

https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19

Stay Up-to-Date with Vaccinations

COVID-19 vaccines are a safe and highly effective tool for preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Staying current with the recommended vaccine schedule, including any updated boosters, provides the best possible protection against the virus and its circulating variants. Talk to your healthcare provider to ensure you and your family are up-to-date based on the latest public health recommendations from organizations like the CDC.

Improve Ventilation and Consider Using Masks

COVID-19 spreads through the air. Improving ventilation helps disperse virus particles, making indoor spaces safer. You can do this by simply opening windows and doors or using fans and air purifiers. In crowded indoor settings or on public transportation, wearing a high-quality, well-fitting mask (like an N95 or KN95) adds a powerful layer of personal protection for yourself and for those around you.

Practice Good Hand Hygiene

Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly is a fundamental practice for preventing the spread of many respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water aren’t available.

Understanding Treatment and Recovery from COVID-19

For most people, recovering from COVID-19 involves managing symptoms at home. However, it’s important to know what treatments are available and to be aware of potential long-term effects. This knowledge can help you navigate your recovery with more confidence and know when to reach out for professional help.

Managing Symptoms at Home and When to Seek Medical Help

If you have a mild case of COVID-19, you can typically recover safely at home. Focus on getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated by drinking lots of fluids, and using over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help manage fever and aches. It is critical to continue monitoring your symptoms and to seek immediate medical care if you develop any of the emergency warning signs mentioned earlier, such as trouble breathing or persistent chest pain. Your doctor may also recommend antiviral treatments if you are at higher risk for severe disease.

Addressing Long-Term Effects: What is ‘Long COVID’?

Some people who get COVID-19 experience long-term effects, a condition known as “Long COVID” or Post-COVID Conditions (PCC). These are a wide range of new, returning, or ongoing health problems that people can experience for weeks, months, or even longer after first being infected. Common symptoms include persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, and cognitive issues often called “brain fog.” If you believe you are experiencing Long COVID, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider who can help you manage your symptoms and guide your recovery.

Finding Local COVID-19 Resources: Testing, Vaccines & Treatment

Navigating local health resources can feel overwhelming. The best place to find reliable, up-to-date information is through official channels. Your local or state public health department website is your most trusted source for finding nearby testing locations, vaccine clinics, and information on available treatments. You can also consult the national health authority’s website.

Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19

How long am I contagious if I have COVID-19?

According to CDC guidance, people with COVID-19 are generally considered infectious starting 2 days before their symptoms begin and are most contagious during the first 5 days of illness. While you can end isolation after 5 days if your symptoms are improving and you’ve been fever-free for 24 hours, it’s recommended to continue wearing a mask through day 10 to minimize risk to others.

Can I get COVID-19 more than once?

Yes, reinfection with COVID-19 is possible. Prior infection provides some natural immunity, but it wanes over time, and new variants can sometimes evade it. Staying up-to-date with vaccinations is the most reliable way to protect yourself against severe outcomes from any infection, including reinfections.

What should I do if my at-home test is negative but I still have symptoms?

At-home antigen tests can sometimes produce a false negative, especially early in an infection. If your first test is negative but you still have symptoms, it’s a good idea to test again in 24-48 hours. You should continue to take precautions like masking and avoiding contact with vulnerable individuals until you feel better.