What are the symptoms of Covid-19?
The CDC lists several symptoms that are typical of covid-19 including: FEVER/CHILLS, COUGH, SHORTNESS OF BREATH/DIFFICULTY BREATHING, FATIGUE, MUSCLE/BODY ACHE, HEADACHE, NEW LOSS OF TASTE/SMELL, SORE THROAT, CONGESTION/RUNNY NOSE, NAUSEA/VOMITING, or DIARRHEA. Remember, children can often have atypical symptoms or no symptoms at all.
When should I see a doctor?
If there are no symptoms or mild symptoms there is no need to come to the doctor. You should stay at home, rest, and get lots of fluids.
If you have other symptoms like wheezing, or ear pain, it is worth coming to the doctor as you might have a different condition that might need prescription medications.
When should I go to the hospital?
You do not need to go to the hospital unless there are severe symptoms including: TROUBLE BREATHING (struggling to breath), PERSISTENT CHEST PAIN, CONFUSION (if they were grown you would think they were drunk), INABILITY TO STAY AWAKE, BLUE LIPS/FACE.
How long am I contagious?
The at home/over the counter antigen tests are a pretty good guide to know if you are still contagious. If you are still testing positive, you are likely to be contagious. With the Omicron variant, it is usual for the test to be positive for a week or more. Some people are still positive at 14 days (or even longer with more severe symptoms). You should be aware of your status and act accordingly. (Example: If you are still testing positive, you may want to put off seeing a sick or elderly relative, in order to avoid potentially giving it to that person.)
How long should I quarantine?
Different agencies have different recommendations for quarantine and masking. Most agencies recommend at least 5 days of isolation followed by another 5 days of masking for those 2 and up, but this is not a requirement. In addition to that, different schools and different work places have their own guidelines in terms of required time off, if you need to mask when you return and what test, if any, you will need to return. Any guidelines of that kind should be followed as well.
