If You Suspect You Have Coronavirus, Do This

As the number of cases of COVID-19 continues to rise rapidly, the message to many Americans is clear: Stay home and stop the spread.

But what should you do if you start to feel sick? If you develop symptoms (like fever, cough and shortness of breath) of the novel coronavirus, or think you have been exposed to someone with it, the first step is to call your doctor, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Hospitals across the country risk running out of available beds as the virus continues to spread, according to simulations from the Harvard Global Health Institute. One way to reduce overcrowding, and possibly infecting others, is to call ahead and determine if a visit or test is necessary.

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People with mild symptoms can recover from home. These people should also self-quarantine, and only leave to get medical care if symptoms worsen or you think it is an emergency, especially for older patients or those with underlying conditions. Stay in contact with your doctor before planning a visit, and avoid public transportation, ride-sharing or taxis.

Patients in self-quarantine should also practice home isolation: Separating themselves from other members of their households, including pets. While animals have not yet contracted COVID-19, avoiding contact is still recommended. Patients in home isolation should not share a bedroom or bathroom if possible.

People with COVID-19, and their caregivers, should wear facemasks to prevent spreading the virus.

The CDC also recommends everyone follow these steps to prevent spreading COVID-19:

• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Avoid sharing household items and wash thoroughly after use.
• Clean all “high-touch” surfaces with household disinfectant.