Here are 5 steps you should take if you think you have COVID-19

Article written by Francis Dunn, Miami, FL

The virus is still on the rise, although many people have been vaccinated with the Covid-19 vaccine. If you are exposed to the virus, you should know what to expect and how you can treat yourself at home.

Firstly, if you have spent a minimum of 15-minutes in total within 24 hours with someone who is experiencing symptoms or who has tested positive, you are a close-contact and have been exposed.

Covid-19 symptoms usually take 5 or more days to surface and include fever, chills, a cough, and muscle pain. More advanced cases may experience a sore throat, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Here are 5 steps you should follow if you think you are exposed or are experiencing symptoms.

Speak to your doctor – Speak to your doctor and inquire where you can get tested. Your doctor can also advise you if you can take care of yourself at home, given your previous medical history.

Stay at home – Stop spreading the disease and avoid all public areas. You will need to isolate yourself in your home and use a separate bathroom. Always wear a facemask in other areas of your home. Isolate for 10-days or more and leave your home only after you have no fever (without the use of medication). 

Rest and take care of yourself – If you are experiencing mild symptoms, use over-the-counter pain relievers and stay hydrated. Rest as much as you can and monitor your condition. Inform family and friends that you are experiencing Covid-like symptoms.

Inform your close contacts – Inform anyone who you believe may be exposed, starting 2 days before your symptoms.

Cleaning – Wash your hands often and avoid touching surfaces outside your room if you are isolating in the same home as your family. If you do touch anything outside your isolation space, for example, light switches, doorknobs, phones, remotes, and kitchen items, wipe it down with a disinfectant spray.

Francis Dunn is based in Miami, Florida. He has worked as a health entrepreneur for over two decades using the latest technology to transform patient experiences. Over the course of his career, Francis Dunn has been fortunate to work with three tech startups, launching 25 technology products. At DMDconnects, he worked on a team that delivered over a 900 percent growth rate by implementing a range of innovative business drivers for the organization.