With the alarming rise of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States, it is not impossible that you can also contract the virus. As per the CDC guidelines, we were told to monitor signs and symptoms such as colds, runny nose, dry cough, difficulty breathing, body weakness, fever, and headaches. The chances of catching the virus increase if you have a history of traveling to countries that have high amounts of COVID-19 cases. However, you are at the greatest risk if you had close or direct contact with an infected person. 

Two major types of COVID-19 testing (Real-Time – Polymerase Chain Reaction or RT-PCR and Antibody testing) have been made available to the public. By submitting to these diagnostic procedures, it can enable you to plan ahead and potentially protect yourself from the virus.

What to do if your results are positive?

There are two types of people with COVID-19, those who have the abovementioned indicators, and those who are asymptomatic. The patient care needed will be based on the severity of the symptoms. People with mild symptoms will likely not need to be hospitalized.  

If you tested positive for COVID-19 and a health care professional prescribed that you stay at home, here are some important rules to follow.

• Self-isolate. I know this sounds frustrating, especially to extroverts, but this is the best way for you to prevent the virus from spreading. As much as possible, stay at home and only leave the house when it’s necessary. If you do leave the house, wear a face mask or bandana to cover your nose and mouth. 

It is recommended that you stay at least 6 feet away from other people, even at home.

• Recover. Similarly to when you have other illnesses, get plenty of sleep and rest. Eat nutritious foods and drink plenty of water. If you are experiencing a fever, you should take a cool bath or place a cool cloth on your head to lower your temperature. 
• Practice respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette. Wear a face mask or face covering even when you are home. A scarf, bandana, or any improvised mask will do. This protects your family members and pets from catching the virus. Make sure that it covers your nose and mouth properly. Medical grade masks are for health care workers only. 
• Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizers especially after blowing your nose. Do practice hand hygiene before touching your face especially the eyes, nose, and mouth. Additionally, make sure that you wash hands before eating and after you leave the bathroom. Dispose of used tissues properly, and prevent others from coming in contact with them if you have the virus. If it is possible, have a separate bedroom or bathroom if you are infected. 
• Observe your symptoms. Are you having persistent chest pains? Are you having difficulty breathing? Are you having cyanosis or bluish discoloration in lips or face? If the answer to these questions is yes, please contact your physician or call 911 for emergencies. This should also be done if the deterioration in the consciousness of the patient was observed.
• Do not share personal items like towels or even bedding.

Your primary care provider should have given you specific prescriptions and instructions on how to manage your symptoms at home. Make sure that you track your symptoms and take medicine as instructed. Follow the correct administration, timing, and dosage.

Acquire Help If You Need It

If your symptoms worsen while sick at home, do not forget to inform the operator that you are a positive COVID-19 patient so that you can also protect the health of your medical response team. The aforesaid rules can somehow be challenging but remember that this will benefit us all. These rules, according to the Centers for Disease Control can be stopped if the symptoms have improved, no recorded fever for 3 days, and it was past 7 days after your first symptoms appeared. 

For a more valid confirmation, you should have tested negative for COVID-19 for 2 consecutive tests with 24-hour interval.