Coronavirus (COVID-19): Care Instructions

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a type of coronavirus. This illness was first found in 2019 and has since spread worldwide (pandemic). Symptoms can range from mild, such as fever and body aches, to severe, including trouble breathing. COVID-19 can be deadly.

Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses. Some types cause the common cold. Others cause more serious illnesses like Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you self-isolate when you have COVID-19?

If you have COVID-19, there are things you can do to help avoid spreading the virus to others.

• Stay home, and avoid contact with other people.
• Limit contact with people in your home. If possible, stay in a separate bedroom and use a separate bathroom.
• Wear a high-quality mask when you are around other people.
• Improve airflow. If you have to spend time indoors with others, open windows and doors. Or you can use a fan to blow air away from people and out a window.
• Avoid contact with pets and other animals.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then throw it in the trash right away.
• Wash your hands often, especially after you cough or sneeze. Use soap and water, and scrub for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Don't share personal household items. These include bedding, towels, cups and glasses, and eating utensils.

• Wash laundry in the warmest water allowed for the fabric type, and dry it completely. It's okay to wash other people's laundry with yours.
• Clean and disinfect your home. Use household cleaners and disinfectant wipes or sprays.

Go to the CDC website at cdc.gov if you have questions.

When can you end self-isolation for COVID-19?

If you know or think that you have the virus, you may need to self-isolate. When you can be around other people you live with and leave home depends on whether you have symptoms.

• If you tested positive but had no symptoms, wear a mask for at least 5 days.
• If you have symptoms, you need to wait until your symptoms are getting better and you haven't had a fever for 24 hours while not taking medicines to lower the fever. Once you leave isolation, wear a mask for at least 5 more days when you are around other people.
• If you were very sick, were in the hospital for COVID, or have a weakened immune system, talk to your doctor about how long you should isolate and wear a mask. It might be longer than 5 days.

Call your doctor or seek care if you have questions about your symptoms or when to end isolation.

Check the CDC website at cdc.gov for the most current information.