Self-Care for COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Taking Care of Yourself When You Have COVID-19

If you are diagnosed with coronavirus or think you might have it, here’s how to care for yourself and family members.

Stay Home Until

You have not had a fever for at least 24 hours (that’s one full day of no fever without taking any fever reducing medicine)
Other symptoms, such as cough or shortness of breath, have improved
The CDC advises that those with COVID-19 should isolate for five days, although some experts recommend 10 days for maximum precaution. You should only stop isolating after five days if you haven’t had a fever for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medications and your symptoms are improving or absent. Note that you should also wear a well-fitting mask through day 10 when around others.

While at Home

Monitor your symptoms and stay in touch with your doctor if you feel worse.
Call before you go to any health care setting.

Stay Away from Others

At home, stay away from family members and pets.
Wear a facemask if you have to be around others to protect them from your cough and sneeze droplets.
Do not share dishes, drinking glasses or cups, eating utensils, towels or other bedding with people in your home. Wash these items thoroughly after each use.
Clean and disinfect surfaces including sinks, microwave, refrigerator, toilets, shower, bath, etc., after you use them.
Wear a facemask and gloves if you need to be around family members and pets.

Take Care of Yourself

Get plenty of rest.
Drink lots of fluids.
Keep warm.
Use a humidifier or take a hot shower for sore throat and cough.
Take acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce fever and relieve aches and pains.
Eat healthy foods.
Clean your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after you blow your nose, cough, sneeze, use the bathroom, and before eating or preparing food.
Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

This information has been reviewed and approved by Lisa Maier, MD; Jared Eddy, MD; and Rosine Angbanzan, MPH (February 2022)

The information on our website is medically reviewed and accurate at the time of publication. Due to the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, information may have since changed. CDC.gov and your state’s health department may offer additional guidance.