10 ways to manage respiratory symptoms at home

Archive, COVID Blog, Feel Good, March, Month, Staying Healthy, Topics

Provided by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, here are 10 ways to manage respiratory symptoms (one of the more worrisome symptoms of COVID-19) while at home.

1. Stay home

Stay home from work, school, and away from other public places. If you must go out, avoid using any kind of public transportation, ridesharing or taxis.

2. Monitor your symptoms

Monitor your symptoms carefully. If your symptoms get worse, call your healthcare provider immediately.

3. Rest and hydrate

Get rest and stay hydrated.

4. Call your doctor

If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider ahead of time and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19.

5. Notify dispatch

For medical emergencies, call 911 and notify the dispatch personnel that you have or may have COVID-19.

6. Cover up

Cover your cough and sneezes.

7. Wash your hands

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

8. Isolate

As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available. If you need to be around other people in or outside of the home, wear a facemask.

9. Avoid sharing

Avoid sharing personal items with other people in your household, like dishes, towels, and bedding.

10. Clean often

Clean all surfaces that are touched often, like counters, tabletops, and doorknobs. Use household cleaning sprays or wipes according to the label instructions.