Should I wear a face mask?
Your healthcare provider can answer any questions you have about when you should wear a face mask
to help slow the transmission of COVID-19. In general, the CDC recommends wearing a face mask in the
following situations:
If you're in an area with high community levels of COVID-19, wear a face mask in public.
If you're sick but can't avoid being around others.
How can I keep from getting COVID-19?
The best defense to prevent getting COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. Yo should also follow the same step
you would take to prevent getting other viruses, such as the common cold or the flu.
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds - especially before eating and preparing food, after using the
bathroom, after wiping your nose, and after coming in contact with someone who has a cold.
• If you're anxious about your breathing, try to relax. Take slow deep breaths in through your nose and
slowly release through pursed lips (like you're are slowly blowing out a candle).
How can I manage my symptoms at home?
If you have mild COVID-19 symptoms, you can likely manage your health at
home. Follow these tips:
• If you have a fever, drink plenty of fluids (water is best), get lots of rest and take acetaminophen
(Tylenol®).
• If you have a cough, lie on your side or sit up (don't lie on your back). Add a teaspoon of honey to your
hot tea or hot water (don't give honey to children under 1 year of age). Gargle with salt water
Can vaccinated people still get COVID-19?
Yes, it's possible to get COVID-19 even if you've been vaccinated. No vaccines are 100% effective. In fact,
breakthrough cases (when someone tests positive more than two weeks after they're fully vaccinated)
are expected, especially as the SARS- CoV-2 virus mutates.
Depending on the severity of your COVID symptoms, you may need:
• Supplemental oxygen (given through tubing inserted into your nostrils).
• Some people may benefit from an infusion of monoclonal antibodies.
• Antiviral medications may reduce the risk of hospitalization and death in certain patients with COVID-
19.
What treatments do people receive if they have COVID-19?
Treatments for COVID-19 vary depending on the severity of your symptoms. If you're not in the hospital
or don't need supplemental oxygen, no specific antiviral or immunotherapy is recommended.
• The test itself was not sensitive or specific enough to detect SARS- CoV-2, the virus that causes
COVID-19. Sensitivity refers to the ability of the test to detect the smallest amount of virus. Specificity
refers to the ability of the test to detect only the COVID- 19 virus and not other similar viruses. Many
different commercial and hospital laboratories have developed tests for SARS-COV-2. All must meet
standards, but there's always the possibility of "false negative" and "false positive" tests.
Reasons for a false negative COVID- 19 test result include:
• You were tested too early in the course of illness. The virus hasn't multiplied in your body to the level
that it could be detected by the test.
• The swab didn't get a good specimen. You or the healthcare personnel may not have swabbed
deeply enough in your nasal cavity to collect a good sample. There could also be less likely handling
errors and transportation errors.
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How long do I need to isolate myself if I've been around a person with COVID-19?
You should quarantine for five days if:
• You haven't been fully vaccinated.
• More than six months have gone by since your second vaccine dose and you haven't been boosted.
Is it possible to test negative for coronavirus and still be infected with it?
Yes, it's possible. There are several reasons for "false negative" test results - meaning you really do have
COVID-19 although the test result says you don't.
If I have a positive test for coronavirus, how long should I self-isolate?
According to current CDC recommendations, you should self- isolate until you've met both of the
following criteria:
• It's been five days since your symptoms first appeared and your symptoms are improving.
• You've not had a fever for 24 hours and you've not used fever-lowing medications during this time.
When should I be tested for the coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Call your healthcare provider if you:
• Feel sick with fever, cough or have difficulty breathing.
• Have been in close contact with a person known or suspected to
have COVID-19.
How is coronavirus diagnosed?
COVID-19 is diagnosed with a laboratory test. Your healthcare provider may collect a sample of your
saliva or swab your nose or throat to send for testing.
Additional symptoms are possible.
Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus.
Children have similar, but usually milder, symptoms than adults. Older adults and people who have
severe underlying medical conditions are at higher risk of more serious complication from COVID-19.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
COVID-19 symptoms vary from person to person. In fact, some infected people don't develop any
symptoms (asymptomatic). In general, people with COVID-19 report some of the following symptoms:
• Fever or chills.
• Cough.
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
• Tiredness.
• Muscle or body aches.
• Headaches.