Being COVID-19 Positive
Information about what to do after you have tested positive for COVID-19.
If You May be Sick With a Respiratory Virus
Stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick) if you have respiratory virus symptoms that aren't better explained by another cause. These symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, among others.
- You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:
- Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
- You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
- Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
- When you go back to your normal activities, take added precaution over the next 5 days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors. This is especially important to protect people with factors that increase their risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses.
- Keep in mind that you may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick, even if you are feeling better. You are likely to be less contagious at this time, depending on factors like how long you were sick or how sick you were.
- If you develop a fever or you start to feel worse after you have gone back to normal activities, stay home and away from others again until, for at least 24 hours, both are true: your symptoms are improving overall, and you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication). Then take added precaution for the next 5 days.
- Keep in mind that you may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick, even if you are feeling better. You are likely to be less contagious at this time, depending on factors like how long you were sick or how sick you were.
You can also contact the Health Department at 410-313-6284 for additional guidance regarding the precautions you should take.
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What to do if you test positive for COVID-19
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- Stay home and away from others if you are feeling sick.
- Return to normal activities when symptoms improve and you are fever free for 24 hours without medication.
- For the next 5 days, wear a mask and limit close contact with others, especially those at risk for severe illness
- Identify and notify close contacts, so they can get tested, if needed
- Contact your health care provider for any medical guidance needed and to ask about treatment options.
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Treatment
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If you are exhibiting any of the symptoms and think you might have COVID, you should:
- Seek medical care if you are experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms.
- Stay home except for seeking medical care and avoid contact with others.
- Ask your doctor about Antiviral Treatment
You can also search for COVID-19 testing, no-cost COVID-19 testing for uninsured people that are symptomatic or exposed, using the CDC Testing Locator.
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Resources for those with Post-COVID Conditions
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