Self-Care

Rest as needed. Healthy habits may help you feel better. Steps include:

• Choose healthy foods including fruits and vegetables. Drink water throughout the day.
• Get plenty of sleep each night.
• If you smoke, try to quit. It may ease breathing.
• Avoid alcohol.

Keep Others Healthy

The virus can spread to others. Droplets are released every time you sneeze or cough. The droplets can get into the mouth, nose, or eyes of people near you and lead to infection.

Stay at home until your doctor has said it is safe to leave. If you tested positive this will mean staying isolated until all of the following are true:

• At least 10 days have passed since the start of illness. Those with a weakened immune system may need to be in isolation for up to 20 days.
• You are free of fever for at least 24 hours without the use of medicine.
• Symptoms, like cough, are getting better. Loss of taste and smell may last weeks but should not delay end of isolation.

*If you tested positive but did not have symptoms, stay in isolation for 10 days after the test.

During this time:

• Avoid public areas, events, or transportation. Do not return to work or school until your doctor has said it is safe to do so.
• Call ahead if you need to go to a medical center. Let them know you may have COVID-19. It will help them guide you where to go. They may also ask you to wear a facemask when you come to the office.
• If you call for emergency medical services, let them know you may have COVID-19.

While at home:

• Try to avoid close contact with others. Stay about 6 feet away.
• If possible, spend most of your time in a separate room from others.
• Use a face mask if you will be in close contact with others such as sharing a room or vehicle. They should wear a mask as well.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue. Throw the tissue away right after use. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Wash your hands often. Always wash them after sneezing or coughing. Use soap and water and wash for at least 20 seconds. Alcohol based hand cleaner can be used if soap and water is not available.
• Do not prepare food for others. Avoid sharing personal items like forks, spoons, or toothbrushes.
• Avoid close contact with pets while you are sick. There is no evidence of the virus passing to pets. This is a safety step until more is known about this virus.

Isolation can be frustrating. Social interaction can help. Keep in touch with friends and family through phone and tech options. Interact with others in your home, just keep a safe distance of about 6 feet.