What to Do If You Think You Have COVID-19
With news of the spread of the coronavirus, it’s only a matter of time before people start thinking: wait, do I have coronavirus? This is still extremely rare at this point, and your cough is most likely caused by a cold or flu. However, here’s what you should do.
Check if your symptoms really match
Although coronavirus is a respiratory illness similar to the common cold or flu, in almost all cases there is no noticeable symptom: a runny nose.
If you sob and sneeze during a storm, it is unlikely that you have contracted COVID-19. According to the World Health Organization , so far 90% of patients have had a fever and 70% have a dry cough; these are typical symptoms.
Even if you have a fever and cough, don’t panic . Colds and flu circulate all year round and get worse every winter, and this year is no different. While COVID-19 is rare, chances are high that your cough is caused by something much more common and common.
Although anyone can get the virus, it is most serious in older people who have other medical conditions, including chronic respiratory problems.
For reasons we do not yet understand, children do not have severe cases. Any of this information may change as we learn more about the virus, but if you are a parent, the fact that no child under the age of 10 died of the virus last week should be encouraging.
Always seek help for shortness of breath or chest pain.
It doesn’t matter what viruses are circulating; shortness of breath is anxiety, as is chest pain. If you have these symptoms, seek medical attention. Maybe it’s a coronavirus, or maybe something else threatens your health.
Don’t show up just like that
Especially if you think you have a contagious and serious illness, don’t just go to an ambulance or emergency room if you have other options. This is the rule not only for coronavirus, but also for measles and other diseases that can be serious.
If you have a relationship with a primary healthcare provider, call them and ask for advice. They may tell you to come in, but they can also save you a trip. Video sessions (through services such as Teladoc, Amwell, or any other company your insurance plan offers) can be convenient so you can relax and not leave your home. But even if you plan to visit the clinic, call ahead if you really think you may have a dangerous infectious disease.
And if they suspect that you have COVID-19 (or another medical condition, they are concerned), they can give you special instructions on where to go and how to minimize the chances of spreading what you have to other people in the facility. For example, you may be asked to put on a face mask, be extra careful when washing your hands, and go to a location other than the general waiting room. (If you’re interested, here are CDC guidelines for healthcare providers.)
Stay home if you can be contagious
People with COVID-19 or those who think they may have been infected are asked to stay at home as long as possible. Visit your doctor as needed, but otherwise try not to run, go to school, work outside the home, or use public transportation. This may be easier said than done, but it’s worth showing your employer the CDC’s business guidelines if they don’t want to let you stay at home.
Protect the people you live with
As long as you stay at home, this means that the people who live with you may be at risk of contracting the virus from you.
CDC advises partners, roommates and caregivers for the sick, to avoid spreading the infection. Of them:
- If possible, the patient should use a separate bedroom and bathroom.
- Both of you should wear a face mask when you are in the same room.
- Everyone should wash their hands and cough etiquette (use an elbow or tissue, dispose of tissue properly).
- If possible, the patient should avoid contact with pets. We do not yet know if COVID-19 can be transmitted to and from animals. This is probably not a pet problem, but the CDC recommends this step just in case.
- Clean sensitive surfaces daily, including doorknobs, keyboards, countertops, and plumbing fixtures. Of course, remove body fluids and use gloves and a mask. Keep up with the wash.
- Monitor the patient’s symptoms and help him follow the doctor’s instructions.
Basically, you try to keep things clean and keep healthy people out of close contact with the sick. If you are alone, try to take care of yourself in the same spirit. Keep things clean, wear a face mask if you need to be around other people, and tell potential visitors that Facetime would be better instead.