Here Is What to Do When You Get COVID
Testing positive for COVID-19 can feel alarming, especially with evolving information and public health advice. Whether it’s your first time contracting the virus or a reinfection, understanding what to do after testing positive is essential for your recovery and for protecting those around you.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions on what to do when you get COVID, including how to manage symptoms, isolate effectively, and when to seek medical attention.
Step 1: Confirm Your Diagnosis
If you’ve taken a home rapid antigen test and received a positive result, it's usually accurate, especially if you're symptomatic. In some cases, especially for travel or official documentation, a PCR test may be required for confirmation.
Types of tests:
- Rapid antigen test: Offers fast results; effective when viral load is high.
- PCR test: More sensitive and often used for confirmation.
If your symptoms are severe or you're in a high-risk category, contact your doctor for further testing or advice immediately.
Step 2: Begin Isolation Immediately
As soon as you suspect or confirm COVID-19, begin isolating to prevent spreading the virus. COVID-19 is highly contagious, and isolation plays a critical role in protecting others.
Isolation guidelines:
- Stay in a separate, well-ventilated room if possible
- Use a dedicated bathroom, if available
- Wear a mask if you need to interact with others
- Don’t share utensils, towels, or bedding
Most people should isolate for at least 5 days from the onset of symptoms or from the day they test positive, whichever comes first. Continue wearing a mask for an additional 5 days after isolation ends.
Step 3: Monitor Your Symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to severe and may vary by individual and variant. Stay aware of how your condition evolves.
Common COVID-19 symptoms:
- Fever or chills
- Cough and sore throat
- Fatigue and body aches
- Loss of taste or smell
- Shortness of breath
- Headache and nasal congestion
If symptoms remain mild, you can likely manage them at home. Use a thermometer and pulse oximeter (if available) to monitor your temperature and oxygen levels regularly.
Step 4: Treat Symptoms at Home
There is no specific cure for mild COVID-19, but supportive care can ease discomfort and help recovery.
Recommended home treatments:
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever and pain
- Plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
- Nutritious meals to maintain strength
- Saltwater gargles for sore throat
- Steam inhalation for nasal congestion
Rest is crucial. Avoid strenuous activity and prioritise sleep. Most individuals recover within 7–10 days.
Step 5: Know When to Seek Medical Help
While most cases are mild, some can worsen unexpectedly, especially in high-risk individuals such as the elderly or those with chronic conditions.
Seek urgent care if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Oxygen saturation below 94% (if using a pulse oximeter)
- Confusion or sudden drowsiness
- Persistent high fever (above 39°C or 102°F)
In such cases, don’t hesitate to contact emergency services or go to your nearest hospital. Timely intervention can prevent serious complications.
Step 6: Inform Close Contacts
It’s important to notify those you’ve been in close contact with 48 hours before your symptoms began or before your positive test. They may need to monitor symptoms or get tested themselves.
Close contact is defined as being within 6 feet of someone for 15 minutes or more, especially without a mask.
Step 7: Follow Guidelines for Ending Isolation
You can end isolation if:
- It’s been at least 5 full days since symptoms began (or since testing positive if asymptomatic)
- You’ve been fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication
- Your symptoms are improving
After isolation, continue wearing a well-fitting mask for 5 more days and avoid crowded indoor spaces.
Step 8: Take Precautions Post-Recovery
Even after recovery, some people experience lingering symptoms known as “long COVID.” Common post-COVID symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath. Listen to your body and seek support if needed.
Once recovered, continue to practise good hygiene and mask-wearing in crowded areas. Reinfection is possible, especially with new variants, so stay updated with booster shots and public health guidance.
Special Considerations for High-Risk Individuals
If you have underlying conditions like diabetes, asthma, heart disease, or are immunocompromised, inform your doctor immediately after testing positive. You may be eligible for antiviral treatments such as Paxlovid or monoclonal antibodies that reduce the risk of severe illness.
Real-Life Example
Case Study: James, a 35-year-old office worker, tested positive using a home rapid test. He had mild symptoms—headache and sore throat—but began isolation right away and notified his workplace. He used paracetamol, stayed hydrated, and recovered within 8 days. Because his elderly mother lived with him, he wore a mask even after isolation and avoided shared spaces. No one else in the household got infected.
FAQs on What to Do When You Get COVID
Do I need to get a PCR test if I’ve tested positive with a rapid test?
Not necessarily. If you have symptoms and a positive rapid test, it's considered reliable. PCR may be required for official or travel documentation.
Can I go to work if I feel okay after testing positive?
No. Even if you feel fine, you should isolate for at least 5 days and wear a mask for another 5 days to avoid infecting others.
Should I take antibiotics for COVID-19?
No. Antibiotics do not work against viruses. They should only be used if your doctor suspects a secondary bacterial infection.
When can I get the COVID-19 vaccine or booster after infection?
You can get vaccinated once you’ve recovered and completed your isolation period. It’s often advised to wait about 4 weeks for full recovery.
What if I’ve been exposed to COVID but feel fine?
Monitor symptoms for 10 days and take a test on Day 5. If you're vaccinated and asymptomatic, you may not need to isolate but should wear a mask.