If you have a fever, cough, or other symptoms, you might have COVID-19. Most people have mild illness and can recover at home. If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider.
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Keep track of your symptoms.
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If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), get emergency medical care immediately.
Steps to Help Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 if You are Sick
If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, follow the steps below to care for yourself and help protect other people in your home and community.
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Stay home. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
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Take care of yourself. Get rest and stay hydrated.
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Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency.
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Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people and pets in your home. If possible, you should use a separate bathroom. Wear a mask if you need to be around other people or animals in or outside of the house.
Monitor Your Symptoms
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Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, or other symptoms.
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Follow care instructions from your healthcare provider and MOH.
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:
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Trouble breathing
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Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
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New confusion
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Inability to wake or stay awake
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Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
Call Ahead before Visiting Your Doctor
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Call ahead. Many medical visits for routine care are being postponed or done by phone or telemedicine.
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If you have a medical appointment that cannot be postponed, call your doctor’s office, and tell them you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the office protect themselves and other patients.
If You are Sick Wear a Mask Over Your Nose and Mouth
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You should wear a mask over your nose and mouth if you are around other people or animals, including pets (even at home).
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Masks should not be placed on young children under age two years, anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone who cannot remove the mask without help.
Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes
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Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
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Throw away used tissues in a lined trash can.
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Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 40 seconds. If soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol for at least 20 seconds.
Clean Your Hands Often
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Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 40 seconds. This is especially important after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
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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 for at least 20 seconds.
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Soap and water are the best options, especially if hands are visibly dirty.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid Sharing Personal Household Items
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Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people in your home.
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Wash these items thoroughly after using them with soap and water, or put them in the dishwasher.
Clean All “High-touch” Surfaces Everyday
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Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in your “sick room” and bathroom; wear disposable gloves. Let someone else clean and disinfect surfaces in common areas, but you should clean your bedroom and bathroom, if possible.
High-touch surfaces include phones, remote controls, counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.
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Clean and disinfect areas that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them.
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Use household cleaners and disinfectants. Clean the area or item with soap and water or another detergent if it is dirty. Then, use a household disinfectant.
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Be sure to follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product. Many products recommend keeping the surface wet for several minutes to ensure germs are killed. Many also recommend wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during the use of the product.