So You're Sick with COVID-19, Now What?

We've read it in the newspaper, heard it on the radio, and have seen it on the television: If you think you may have COVID-19, isolate yourself away from others. But then what?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends you monitor your symptoms after isolating yourself at home if you suspect you may be coming down with COVID-19. Symptoms can appear anywhere from two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms to watch for include fever or chills, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, congestion or runny nose, diarrhea, and loss of sense of taste or smell. Not everyone will exhibit all the same symptoms and those with serious underlying medical conditions such as heart or lung disease, or diabetes appear to be at higher risk for serious symptoms and complications.

Vian Murad is a family nurse practitioner with Western Wayne Family Health Centers (WWFHC). She advises anyone who develops symptoms of COVID-19 to follow guidelines given by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) which include isolating yourself from other members of your home, drinking plenty of water and juice, getting plenty of rest, and eating nutritious, whole foods like vegetable soups and fruits. Eating fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C may help boost immunity, says Murad. Covering your coughs and sneezes along with frequent handwashing is also advised. An over-the-counter pain medicine may be used as necessary.

However, with chest congestion, Murad says, "You shouldn't be laying down for long periods of time without movement... if you feel like you've been laying down for long periods of time, it's okay to walk around inside your room as long as you're isolated." Propping your upper body up with a few pillows while in bed is also a good idea if chest or head congestion is a problem.

The CDC lists emergency warning signs to look for which indicate the need for immediate medical attention. These include difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, and a bluish color to the lips or face. Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility notifying them that you are seeking care either for yourself or someone who has or may have COVID-19.

For multi-member households, Murad says isolating the person sick with COVID is a must and if a separate bathroom is possible for the sick family member, that is ideal. Caretakers should wear a mask and gloves when in contact with the sick person, such as bringing a tray of food. Laundry and trash should be handled with caution as well. Common areas and surfaces such as doorknobs or faucets should be frequently disinfected with cleaning sprays or wipes. Other household members should watch for symptoms to develop and avoid other people, says Murad. "Make sure you notify those who have been around you that you are directly exposed to somebody in your household so they can take the necessary precautions as well," she says.

If the sick person has any underlying health conditions, normal treatment and medication to address that must be continued as well. "Whatever comorbidities you already have prior to getting COVID, just like when you get the flu, you still have to take your blood pressure medications and diabetes medications as prescribed," says Murad. Consulting with your primary care doctor is recommended.

WWFHC offers telemedicine appointments if you need advice on dealing with a potential case of COVID. They also offer COVID testing and will have the vaccine available in February. Find out more at http://www.wwfhc.org or call 313-561-5100. To access the CDC and their resources, go to http://www.cdc.gov.