Are you showing symptoms of COVID-19?
Do you have a fever, dry cough, or perhaps unusual chest pain and pressure?
While these are the most common symptoms, the list of potential signs of COVID-19 infection is quite extensive.
While we know that the thought of it might be scary, you need to focus on taking essential precautions to protect your friends, family, and colleagues. This will help prevent spreading the virus to the rest of the community.
The good news is that there are now strict and clear protocols to help stop the spread.
So, to assist you, we’ve listed below the key steps you should take to protect your loved ones and those around you if you think you may have COVID-19. Note that these steps are based on the recommendations of the CDC.
Stay at Home
Self-Isolation
Self-isolation should be an automatic reflex if you have COVID-19 symptoms. So, you should absolutely avoid visiting public places and only leave your home to get medical care and essential groceries.
Most people who catch the virus only suffer from mild symptoms and can safely recover at home. The key is to stay hydrated, get plenty of rest and take Panadol to reduce your fever.
Visiting your doctor
If you have to visit your doctor, the best course of action is to call ahead to let the doctor’s office know that you may have COVID-19 so that they can prepare for you and provide the best medical advice.
However, if you’re experiencing severe symptoms, such as bluish lips, chest pain, or shortness of breath, make sure to go to the emergency room.
Avoid public transport
If you have to leave the house, you need to avoid using public transportation, taxis, or share rides. Indeed, it’s important that you limit your contact with the outside world to prevent the spread and avoid putting other people at risk.
Self-Isolate from Others in your Home
If you live with other people and or pets, you’ll need to separate from them as much as possible and take extra precautions when using shared facilities.
Wear a mask
COVID-19 spreads from person to person. If you need to be in one of the rooms with other people, you should always wear a mask covering your mouth and your nose. You should also stay 6 feet apart (roughly 2 meters) from others.
Cover your face with a tissue when you sneeze or cough
You should get rid of the tissue in a bin straight after and thoroughly wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds.
Clean and disinfect any surfaces you touch in common areas
These areas include tables, countertops, sinks, and even household items. You should also wear disposable gloves whenever you’re out of your bedroom.
Wash your hands thoroughly and often
Soap is the best option, but you can also use a hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol.
Note that as best practice, you should always let your close contacts know that you may have contracted the virus. This way, they, too, can take precautions as they could have been infected.
Keep Track of Your Symptoms
If you’re only experiencing mild symptoms and don’t require any medical attention, you should still closely monitor your symptoms and temperature. Make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and check your local health department for more information.
Get Tested
If you believe you have the coronavirus, you need to get tested. Not only will this be helpful as you’ll be able to resume normal activities if the test is negative, but it’ll also help the local authorities track your close contacts. They will be able to warn them and ensure that they also get tested.
As mentioned before, to prevent the spread, it’s important to avoid taking public or shared transport. You should also wear a mask and respect social distancing rules while on your way to and from the testing facilities.
We hope this article has provided you with some helpful information about the key steps to take if you think you have COVID-19. While most people have mild symptoms and recover pretty quickly, these steps are essential to protect your loved ones and people who are most at risk in the community.