What to Do If You Test Positive for COVID-19 – Isolation, Symptoms, and Essential Care

Isolate immediately in your homes once you test positive. Stay away from other adults in the home, use a separate room and a dedicated bathroom if possible, and wear a mask in shared spaces. Track infectious status for at least 5 days from the first positive test or onset of symptoms, and avoid spreading to others by limiting contacts. If there is an adult in the home who needs care, designate a separate caregiver to reduce exposure.

Monitor specific symptoms such as fever, sore throat, headache, and changes in breath. Take regular temperature checks and note lingering fatigue or cough. If a fever lasts more than 24 hours or symptoms worsen, contact a clinician to adjust care and to obtain a new specimen if needed.

Keep fluids handy and rest. Hydration supports immune response and helps manage fever. If you are an adult or have chronic conditions, as part of your plan, consult a clinician early about a tailored care plan. When you cough or sneeze, use a tissue and dispose, then wash hands to reduce transmission risk.

Adopt strategies to reduce spreading in shared spaces: ventilate rooms, mask in common areas, and isolate utensils and towels. Regular handwashing and cleaning surfaces as described above helps prevent exposure. If symptoms linger beyond a week, or you test positive again after recovery, seek medical guidance about test timing and return-to-activity rules.

对于 adult caregivers, keep a portion of the care routine in your day, but ensure having clear isolation steps and a shared plan in the home. If you have sustained headache, sore throat, or trouble breathing, seek urgent care. Do not share personal items, and collect a specimen for follow-up testing only per clinician instruction.

After recovery, plan a gradual return to regular activities while watching for lingering symptoms. A lingering cough or fatigue can extend beyond the acute phase, so monitor breath and energy levels. Maintain clean surfaces, manage fluids, and keep a simple daily routine that supports immune recovery without pushing beyond limits.

What to Do If You Test Positive for COVID-19: Isolation, Symptoms, and Care; So Your COVID-19 Test is Positive–Now What

Isolate immediately for at least five days and avoid close contact with others in your place. Use a well-ventilated space, keep distance from people you live with, and wear a well-fitted triple-layer mask when you must be near others. Do not share dishes, towels, or bedding to reduce the infection risk.

Tell your employer and local organizations about the positive result, and arrange remote work if possible. Contact a practitioner or use telehealth to start or adjust treatment and to review the plan with respect to your local guidelines. Keep their instructions handy so you can follow them as illness progresses.

Monitor symptoms daily. Typical symptoms began within three days of infection and usually decrease in intensity during the illness over the first week. If fever or feeling worse occurs, or you notice severe shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, or a persistent fever, seek urgent care. For many people, fatigue, muscle aches, and cough are common and begin to ease as days pass.

Care at home includes regular rest, fluids, and nutrition. Use medicines as directed for fever or discomfort, and limit activity as you feel weak. Maintain good ventilation in the settings where you live, and disinfect high-touch surfaces regularly to reduce transmission. If you live with a child or have a child in the home, apply age-appropriate precautions and follow pediatric guidance from your practitioner.

Return to work or regular activities only after symptoms improve and you meet local guidelines for ending isolation. When you go back, continue to monitor your feel and avoid close contact for a few days, especially in settings with people at higher risk. If new symptoms appear or your condition changes, reach out via telehealth to adjust care with your practitioner.

Create a safe at-home isolation plan and minimize contact

Designate a separate room for isolation today and limit contact with others in your household. Keep the door closed and maintain at least 2 meters (about 6 feet) distance from others whenever you move around.

Assign a single caregiver to assist you; that person should wear a well-fitting mask, wash hands before and after entering your space, and avoid sharing rooms or items. Wash hands frequently to reduce surface transfer.

Label a dedicated set of items for your use only–dishes, towels, bedding–and disinfect surfaces between uses with a common household cleaner.

If you must share a bathroom, designate it for your use during the isolation period and clean high-touch surfaces after each use, including faucet handles and doorknobs.

Improve ventilation by opening a window for 10-15 minutes daily if weather allows and, if accessible, use a HEPA filtration device to supplement air flow in the room.

In the initial days after a positive test, monitor symptoms and note when they began. Track breathing changes, chest discomfort, fever, and fatigue, and keep a simple form for results and trends. Note what changed from prior days in energy or breathing, and use oximeters to check oxygen saturation at least twice daily, in the morning and before bed, recording the numbers. If saturation falls below 92% or you notice worsening breathing, contact your clinician or local health resource.

With a child in the home, keep them in a separate area as much as possible and provide meals and care without entering their space. Use their own utensils and avoid sharing blankets or towels; encourage frequent hand-washing for all family members.

Allergies: continue regular allergy management and avoid misreading symptoms as an infection. Keep medicines in the isolation area and ensure quick access for the patient.

Record results and contact your clinician if symptoms change or you need more guidance; consider higher level care if you cannot manage at home, as above.

Practical steps to minimize contact

Set up a personal care kit in the isolation space: disposable tissues, hand sanitizer, a water bottle, and a cup. Use a dedicated trash bag for used tissues. Wash utensils and cups in hot water and avoid sharing them. When delivering meals or meds, place items outside the door and have the patient retrieve them without close contact. After each delivery, wash your hands and wipe the doorway handle.

Monitoring and care signals

Use oximeters to monitor oxygen saturation as noted. If readings show a drop to a level that concerns you or if you have persistent chest tightness, seek guidance by phone. If symptoms worsen such as new confusion, bluish lips, persistent chest pain, or inability to talk in full sentences, seek emergency help. Keep a form with contacts, local guidelines, and the patient’s risks in one accessible place.

Know when to seek urgent care or call a clinician (red flags)

Call your clinician now if you notice red flags such as trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, or bluish lips. If you need to find a nearby clinic, your clinician or local health line can guide you. Early evaluation can stop complications and protect lives by stopping the spread of viruses; likewise, prompt care supports your recovery and helps you feel better, otherwise risking a longer illness. The coronavirus period can be contagious even before you feel sick, so isolating now helps others stay well while you recover. If symptoms began to worsen quickly, seek urgent care without delay.

Red flags you should not ignore

• Trouble breathing, very fast or labored breathing, or gasping for air
• Chest pain or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
• New confusion, inability to wake, or sudden dizziness
• Blue lips or face, pale or gray skin
• Severe dehydration: very dry mouth, little or no urination, dizziness when standing
• Fever that remains high or does not improve after taking approved fever medicines or lasts more than 3 days
• Not able to keep fluids down, or vomiting for 24 hours
• Severe sore throat with drooling or trouble swallowing
• Symptoms worsen or do not improve after 7–10 days
• In a child, signs include inconsolable crying, poor feeding, or very lethargic behavior

What to do next

1. Call your local clinician or urgent care center now if any red flags appear; bring your coronavirus test date and current medications. If you cannot reach them, call emergency services.
2. If you have a primary care clinician, contact them first; they can guide you on treatments and may arrange a virtual visit.
3. Go to urgent care or call emergency services if you cannot breathe well or have chest pain; do not drive yourself; arrange a rideshare or call for help.
4. Isolate from others in your home to stop spreading; use a separate room and bathroom if possible; wear a mask around others and wash hands frequently.
5. Stay hydrated and rest; take fluids in a steady flow of sips; if you are taking medicines, follow dosing as directed.
6. Discuss treatments with a clinician; some people may qualify for antiviral options or other therapies if started early, especially if you are higher risk.
7. For people in congregate settings or those experiencing homelessness, coordinate with local supports and a clinic; local public health teams can help with safe transfer or testing options. A nova outbreak can begin in these environments, so stay alert.
8. Track recovery: if symptoms began to improve after a red flag episode, continue isolation until you meet local criteria; otherwise seek care again promptly.

Set up a daily symptom and vitals log

Use a daily symptom and vitals log on your phone or notebook. Set a fixed time each day for entries to stay consistent. Track five data points: temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation (if you have a resource like a pulse oximeter), and symptoms. Record them once in the morning and once in the evening each day if you notice changes above baseline. Three common symptoms to watch are cough, fever, and fatigue. This practice helps everyone in the household, including children, stay informed so they can act quickly if a change appears. For staying outside or away from home, keep the log accessible; in a workplace or with a caregiver, follow policies and jurisdiction guidelines to decide what to share. If you have a resource andor caregiver involved, they can access the log. Continue daily entries; likewise, review the log with a health professional if possible. If readings rise, take steps to reduce risk, such as extra hydration and rest, and note water intake in the log to help you monitor hydration. Aim to record each data point clearly and in a consistent flow to make it easy to compare days; this approach can reduce delays in care, and you can adjust where possible to fit your routine.

Test timing and when to repeat tests for clarity

Test on day 5 after symptom onset or after you receive a positive result to assess contagiousness and guide the next steps. If the day you began symptoms was earlier than today, use that as day 0; if you are fever-free for 24 hours and your symptoms are improving, you may end isolation after day 5; otherwise extend through day 10 at most, following guidelines provided by your healthcare team and local authorities.

Before visiting an adult or people at greater risk, repeat testing on day 5 or later. Sometimes two negative results 24 hours apart provide greater certainty; if you can’t, follow the plan from your providers and use the result you receive to decide your next move with them.

What to know about test types: PCR can remain positive longer than antigen tests. A positive PCR does not always mean you are contagious, while an antigen test is more likely to be positive when you are shedding enough virus to transmit. When you repeat tests for clarity, using a well-fitted antigen test on day 5–7 and, if needed, a second test 24 hours later helps you make a clear call. If you are unsure, contact your providers for what to do next.

Coordinate with a phone or video check-in if symptoms change or you plan to return to activities. If you recover, continue monitoring yourself for any relapse, and if you plan to visit others, keep a mask and follow the latest guidelines. For an adult with long-term conditions, discuss return-to-work plans with your providers. If tests keep coming back positive, talk with them about next steps; sometimes additional testing is needed.

Influenza season note: if you have flu-like symptoms, you may receive different test results. Use the number of days since you began symptoms and the results you receive from your tests to guide care with your providers, and don’t delay care if you feel worse. The guidelines provided by your care team will tell you when to seek in-person care or a video visit.

Stay hydrated and manage fever and symptoms at home

Sip water or an oral rehydration solution every 15 minutes for the first 2-3 hours to prevent dehydration. Then maintain steady fluid intake throughout the day, aiming for roughly 2-3 liters for adults, adjusted for climate, activity, and fever-related losses. Include clear fluids such as water, broth, and electrolyte drinks. A simple homemade form is 1 liter water, 6 teaspoons sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; this form provides glucose and electrolytes to help absorption and prevent cramps.

Keep a close eye on hydration by noting urine color and frequency. If urine stays dark or you feel very thirsty, sip small amounts more often and consider adding a small extra serving of fluids during the day. If you have lingering nausea or vomiting, try tiny sips every 15-20 minutes and avoid large meals until you feel better.

Fever management and warning signs

For fever and pain, use fever-reducing medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, following label directions and age-based guidance. Do not exceed the recommended dose, and avoid giving aspirin to children with viral illnesses. If you have liver, kidney, or stomach conditions, or you take other medicines, check with a clinician before use.

Take your temperature with a reliable thermometer and track changes. If fever persists beyond 3 days, or you notice chest pressure, shortness of breath, confusion, or blue tint in lips or face, seek care promptly. Here are additional steps to ease symptoms: rest, maintain a comfortable room temperature, and use a humidifier or steam cautiously to ease lingering chest tightness or cough.

Staying at home and practical steps

Limit contact with others by staying in a close, separate space when possible, avoid close contact, and wash hands frequently. If you were exposed or test positive, do not leave home for nonurgent reasons; arrange groceries and medications delivery and use a separate bathroom if available. This approach helps protect others and can benefit both you and Employers by reducing spread while you recover. If symptoms linger or worsen, consider contacting a clinician for guidance on next steps and/or testing.

Prevent transmission to household members: masks, ventilation, cleaning, and laundry

Put on a well-fitting mask at home for any time you share a room with others. This can help reduce exposure during periods when you are most contagious and helps protect those who are at higher risk. If available, choose a high-filtration mask (N95/KN95) and ensure a full seal around the face. Replace damp masks immediately and tell other household members about the plan so they know to wear masks during shared care and meals.

Masking and ventilation

Keep masks on in shared spaces and maintain physical distancing whenever possible. This reduces exposure when someone in the home is ill and helps prevent household spread. Improve indoor air by opening windows for short periods several times a day and by using exhaust fans. If you have a portable HEPA purifier, place it in a central area and run it on a steady setting. This helps reduce the concentration of aerosols over the day and supports the system in keeping air fresh. For days with strong outdoor limits, rely on cross-ventilation and door gaps. Apply them once symptoms begin. These practices, aligned with your guidelines, help calm the environment and add long-term protection for the household.

Cleaning and laundry practices

Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces each day with an accessible product, following label directions and added guidelines. Allow the product to remain on the surface for the recommended contact time (often 1-5 minutes). Use separate towels when possible and avoid mixing cleaners to prevent harmful reactions. After cleaning, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. For laundry, place contaminated items in a bag, handle with gloves, and wash on the hottest possible cycle (60°C/140°F or higher) with normal detergent. If your washer offers a triple rinse option, enable it; dry the items on a hot setting to reduce residual moisture. Do not shake contaminated laundry to prevent aerosolization. If anyone in the home uses medication for fever or symptoms, follow the label doses and talk to a clinician if symptoms worsen. This approach reduces risk for each household member and supports your policies at home, even if others have fever or symptoms such as diarrhea that may accompany influenza or other infections. When you tell family members what to do and keep added precautions in place, you improve safety and help everyone recover more comfortably.

Planning your return to work, school, or activities and paid leave considerations

Return to work, school, or activities only after you meet the standard return criteria: fever-free for 24 hours without fever reducers, symptoms decreasing, and at least 5 days since symptoms began or since your positive test. If you still have fever or significant symptoms, stay home and follow your doctor’s instructions.

Coordinate with your local employer or school about paid leave and flexible options. If you are going back, check the website for the exact policy, and collect any medical documentation you may need. If you require assistance, contact the HR or benefits office by phone to confirm eligibility and how to apply.

When you return, minimize transmission in spaces you share. Avoid crowded places, keep distance from others, and prioritize well-ventilated spaces. If weather limits outdoor options, schedule meetings outside or in well-ventilated indoor areas to decrease risk. If there is another exposure, pause and revisit your plan with your doctor.

In residential settings, maintain caution: use separate entrances where possible, ventilate rooms, and mask in common areas. Continue monitoring for worsening symptoms and contact your doctor promptly if you notice chest pain, new fever, or trouble breathing.

For anyone with allergies, track symptoms collected over the first days after return to distinguish allergy flares from COVID-19 signs. Discuss sudden changes with your doctor to avoid confusion.

Mental health matters: seek assistance from a counselor or support line if stress grows; involve family or friends to share the load and plan activities that feel manageable. Look for more resources on your local website or call a mental health line if you need immediate support.

Return plans should be gradual: start with smaller in-person tasks, then increase exposure as you feel ready. Use a hybrid approach andor remote options to fit your settings and to decrease risk.

Overall readiness requires following local health guidance and your doctor’s instructions. Keep following the plan, and continue to monitor for any new or returning symptoms. Never rush the process and never ignore warning signs.

Documentation and next steps: record dates of isolation, outcomes, and any leaves used; share with your supervisor; check local regulations on paid leave and medical assistance programs on the local website; and call if you have questions.