{"id":9070,"date":"2020-03-30T18:10:56","date_gmt":"2020-03-30T23:10:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/?p=9070"},"modified":"2026-04-16T13:59:18","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T18:59:18","slug":"what-to-do-if-you-think-you-have-covid-19","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/what-to-do-if-you-think-you-have-covid-19\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do if You Think You Have COVID-19"},"content":{"rendered":"

You\u2019ve got that sneaky cough, tender muscles and fatigue that hits out of nowhere. Could it be COVID-19? Don\u2019t panic. Here\u2019s an easy, up-to-date guide to help you know when to test for COVID-19, how to treat symptoms at home and when it\u2019s safe to return to work or school.<\/p>\n

What to Do If You Have COVID-19 Symptoms<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019ve been exposed to COVID-19 or you\u2019re starting to feel sick, there are a couple easy ways to get tested. At-home rapid tests are widely available, fast and reliable for most people. If you\u2019d rather have a test done in person, most doctor\u2019s offices and urgent care clinics offer PCR tests, which are the most accurate option.<\/p>\n

Take the COVID-19 Symptom Quiz<\/h3>\n

Sometimes COVID-19 symptoms can feel like a cold, flu or allergies. If you’re unsure what your symptoms might mean, try our quick COVID-19 Symptom Quiz<\/a>. It\u2019s a simple way to get guidance on whether your symptoms line up with COVID-19 or another common illness.<\/p>\n

Do I have COVID-19?<\/a><\/p>\n

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Get connected to the care you need<\/p>\n

Get connected to the care you need<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

When is the best time to test for COVID-19?<\/h2>\n

If you have been exposed to COVID-19, but don\u2019t have symptoms, you should wait at least five full days before you take a test. COVID-19 symptoms can start anywhere from two to 14 days after exposure.<\/p>\n

If you do have COVID-19 symptoms, you can take a test right away.<\/p>\n

What to Do If You Test Positive for COVID-19<\/h2>\n

Testing positive for COVID-19 can be stressful, but acting quickly helps protect your health and the people around you. Here\u2019s what to do next:<\/p>\n

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  1. Call your doctor\u2019s office. They can advise you on treatment options and next steps.<\/li>\n
  2. Let close contacts know you\u2019ve tested positive so they can monitor for symptoms and take precautions. This includes anyone you were around in the 48 hours before your symptoms started.<\/li>\n
  3. Follow current CDC isolation guidance<\/a>. This includes staying home until you\u2019ve been fever-free and symptom-free for 24 hours and wearing a mask around others during isolation and for five days after that.<\/li>\n
  4. During isolation, take precautions to prevent spreading the virus. Avoid sharing household items like towels or blankets and consider asking a friend or family member to help with groceries, medications or supplies so you don\u2019t have to leave home. If you have to leave the house, wear a mask and try to avoid close contact with others.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Home Treatment for COVID-19<\/h2>\n

    Most cases of COVID-19 get better on their own, but there are things you can do to recover faster and feel more comfortable:<\/p>\n