
Take care of your health
Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home. Here are steps to get better:
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
- Take over-the-counter medicine such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) to reduce fever and pain. Note that children younger than age 2 should not be given any over-the-counter cold medications without first speaking with a doctor.
- Monitor your symptoms and seek medical care right away if you experience any of the emergency warning signs.
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Your doctor may recommend that you have a pulse oximeter at home to monitor your oxygen levels. Using a Pulse Oximeter at Home When You Have COVID-19 | Michigan Medicine.
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Talk with your healthcare provider to find out if they recommend prescribing COVID-19 treatments and therapeutics. Don’t delay as many need to be started within 5 days.
Call 911 if there are emergency warning signs:
Symptoms of COVID-19
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus and my include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- New loss of taste or smell
This list does not include all possible symptoms of COVID-19.
Some people with COVID-19 never get symptoms.
Get a Test and Talk to a Doctor
- If you develop any of the symptoms listed above, or any symptoms that are not on the list that concern you, contact your healthcare provider and get tested for COVID-19. Make a note of the day when your symptoms first began.
- If you are 65 years or older or have a health problem such as a chronic disease or a weak immune system, it is particularly important to let your doctor know that you have these new symptoms.
- If you need help finding a doctor, call the Shasta County information line 2-1-1, which is available 24/7.
- To get a COVID-19 test, call your doctor, call 2-1-1 or visit ShastaReady.org for testing sites. Local pharmacies may also have home test kits. It's recommended to call in advance to check to see if kits are in stock.
- Talk with your healthcare provider to find out if you qualify for COVID-19 treatments and therapeutics.
- Seek prompt medical care if your symptoms get worse. If they are life-threatening, call 911.