Most people who either have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 will recover at home -- often with other non-infected housemates. So it’s important to be prepared and know what to do if you think you or a family member/roommate has COVID-19 symptoms or becomes ill. Do not go anywhere! First:
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People who have symptoms need to be isolated at home. If you are caring for someone at home:
Pick an emergency contact
If you’re the main caregiver, designate someone nearby whom you could rely on to care for your family member if you yourself become ill.
What about the rest of the family?
If one person is infected or suspects they have the coronavirus, the sick person should isolate and the whole household should quarantine in the home for 14 days, according to public health officials. Even if the individual has not been tested, you should err on the side of caution and stay quarantined.
When can we end home isolation?
A hospitalized patient will typically be released after two negative tests, 24 hours apart. But because there is a shortage of tests, many people recovering at home will not receive a follow-up test to determine if they are still contagious. Guidelines are changing rapidly. The W.H.O. recommends that patients isolate for 14 days after symptoms have resolved. The C.D.C. guidelines are not as strict, now saying three things must happen before you can leave isolation after a bout (confirmed or unconfirmed) of Covid-19.
Please be smart – and stay safe!
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/care-for-someone.html
https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/2020/03/21/coronavirus-how-safely-take-care-someone-sick-covid-19/2866984001
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/world/coronavirus-tips-advice.html?campaign_id=9&emc=edit_NN_p_20200406&instance_id=17375&nl=morning-briefing®i_id=100747502§ion=topNews&segment_id=23997&te=1&user_id=5f30a11dadcba847ca045192785ad4cc
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