10 Things To Do to Manage Your Health at Home During the Corona-Virus

The likelihood exists that at some point you may have an exposure to a person who tests positive for the Coronavirus (COVID-19).  If that should happen, it is advisable to self-quarantine for 14 days at home, monitor yourself for symptoms and follow guidance as below.  Routine testing is not available or warranted at this time.  

Alarm symptoms include: temp higher than 101 degrees, chest pain and/or difficulty breathing, contact the local health department for specific guidance. 

Routine testing is not widely available. Due to the limited number of tests, they are not being performed on patients with mild symptoms unless they have traveled from certain countries (Iran, Italy, China). 

10 things you can do to manage your health at home 

If you have possible or confirmed COVID-19: 

  1.  Stay home from work, school, and away from other public places. If you must go out, avoid using any kind of public transportation, ridesharing, or taxis. 

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

  3.  Get rest and stay hydrated. 

  4.  If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider ahead of time and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. 

  5.  For medical emergencies, call 911 and notify the dispatch personnel that you have or may have COVID-19. 

  6.  Cover your cough and sneezes (eg. tissue over nose and mouth). 

  7.  Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 70% alcohol. 

  8.  As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available. If you need to be around other people in or outside of the home, wear a facemask. 

  9.  Avoid sharing personal items with other people in your household, like dishes, towels, and bedding 

  10. Have someone else in the household care for your pets or other animals when possible 

  11. Clean all surfaces that are touched often, like counters, tabletops, and doorknobs. Use household cleaning sprays or wipes according to the label instructions. 

If you develop symptoms: 

  *  If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) or pets and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. 

  *  If you are caring for others: If the person who is sick is not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then people who live with the person who is sick should not stay in the same room with them, or they should wear a facemask if they enter a room with the person who is sick. 

  *  Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care.