If you are unable to designate certain areas of the house to the infected person, everyone should wear masks when entering these rooms.
“The most important thing is keeping people from breathing air that is filled with germs,” Tara Kirk Sell, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security says. Placing a HEPA air cleaner in or outside your bedroom can help as well. It also doesn’t hurt to wipe down shared spaces to prevent the spread of germs.
After using a shared bathroom, disinfect the toilet seat and handle, as well as the faucet handles, soap dispenser, counter and light switch. You should also close the lid before you flush, turn on the exhaust fan and open windows to improve ventilation in shared areas.
If the infected person is a child or older person who needs assistance, both the caregiver and the infected person should wear a mask when entering the room.
When to call your doctor
If you develop a fever, cough or shortness of breath, call your healthcare provider’s office. Your doctor will determine whether you should be seen by a physician.
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If your symptoms become severe — especially if you are having trouble breathing, have pain or pressure in the chest, bluish lips or feel confused — call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.
It’s vital to call ahead to let healthcare personnel know you’re coming and what your symptoms are, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Treatment
You can use a pulse oximeter to keep track of your blood oxygen levels. Most healthy people will get an oxygen reading of around 95 to 99 percent. If the reading drops quickly or the level dips to 93 percent or lower, seek medical advice. For people with darker skin the device may be less accurate, so pay attention to the trend. If your reading drops by four points or your condition worsens, contact your doctor.
If you fall in the high-risk group, consider asking your doctor if you are eligible for monoclonal antibodies, a treatment that can help your body fight COVID-19 and lower your risk for severe illness. The FDA-approved treatment was recently expanded to include monoclonal antibodies for children as well. However, this treatment has to be administered in a clinic or hospital, as an IV infusion or as four shots — but it can be highly effective. One study found an 85 percent reduction in the risk of hospitalization or death. Research is underway to see if this form of treatment will be effective in fighting against the Omicron variant.
You should also:
- Take medications, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to reduce fever.
- Drink water or receive intravenous fluids to stay hydrated.
- Get plenty of rest to help the body fight the virus.