With the recent Coronavirus epidemic, many people have been wondering what to do if they think they have COVID-19. The most important thing you can do is to remain calm and follow these instructions.
- Call a Health Care Provider
If you believe that you have contracted the COVID-19, please call a health care provider. Before rushing to the hospital or an urgent care clinic, please call and describe your symptoms over the phone. This will help to prevent the spread of the virus as well as keep emergency services running smoothly. Your health care provider will inform you of what steps you need to take and what symptoms to monitor according to your current condition. However, if you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 and inform the dispatcher of your symptoms.
- Stay Home
The best thing that you can do if you have the COVID-19, even if the symptoms are mild, is to stay home. Do not go out in public places, go to work, go to the grocery store, or even for a walk around the neighborhood. If you live with others, keep yourself separated from them to the best of your ability, including pets. If possible, use separate bathrooms. You can protect others by keeping yourself quarantined.
- Practice Good Hygiene Techniques
Practicing proper hygiene techniques will help to reduce the likelihood of spreading the virus to others. To do this, please:
- Wear a mask if you must leave your home.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- If you cough or sneeze, do it into your elbow or a tissue. Do not sneeze into your hand, and if you use a tissue, throw it away at once.
- Wash your hands after sneezing, blowing your nose, or coughing.
- Wash your hands before food preparation, before eating, and after using the bathroom.
- When washing your hands, ensure you use soap and scrub for at least 20 seconds.
- Consistently disinfect surfaces in your home, including doorknobs, countertops, electronics, remotes, and cabinet handles.
- Help Your Body
Just like with any virus, your body is going to fight hard to kill it off. You want to do everything within your power to help your body do this, which includes getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of fluids, taking your vitamins, eating nutritious meals, and not overtaxing your body. By giving your body the tools it needs to fight, you will get better that much faster.
- Remain Calm
While it can be scary to have possibly contracted COVID-19, you must remain calm. Our medical professionals are working around the clock and discovering more about the virus all the time. By following the guidelines above, you can make a difference in protecting yourself and those around you from the virus. For more information about COVID-19, please visit the CDC’s website for up to date statistics and advice.
