People who contract the coronavirus experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The virus is generally spread through person-to-person contact when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
If you have a fever and breathing symptoms such as a cough or shortness of breath, do not go into work or to other busy areas such as stores, schools, or churches. Do not go to your doctor’s office without calling them first and do not go to a lab to request coronavirus testing before speaking with your healthcare provider.
How to protect yourself and loved ones
Here are some best practices to help prevent illness:
- Practice social distancing by staying six feet away from other people when possible or mandated. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Wear face cloth coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (eg., grocery stores, pharmacies).
- Cloth face coverings should fit comfortably against the side of the face, be secured with ties or ear loops, and include multiple layers of fabric.
- Cloth face coverings should be routinely washed in a washing machine depending on how often you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Strongly consider canceling unnecessary travel
Who is most at risk from COVID-19?
Some people have a higher risk of severe illness if they become infected, including:
- People over the age of 50
- People with chronic medical conditions, like diabetes or asthma
- Healthcare professionals caring for patients with COVID-19
- People in close contact with persons with COVID-19
What should you do if you feel sick?
IMPORTANT: Call your doctor, urgent care facility, or emergency room BEFORE you go if you are concerned you have COVID-19.
- Stay in a room and away from other people in your home as much as possible. Use a separate bathroom, if available.
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue and then throw it away.
- If you do not have a primary care physician, there are several options for help:
- Free options include a 24/7 nurse hotline that may be provided by your health plan.
- Access to video visits (telemedicine) that may be provided by either your employer or health plan.
- Let your healthcare provider know about contact with possibly infected people.
What should you do about work if you feel sick?
- If you have symptoms that include fever, cough, or trouble breathing, you should notify your manager and stay home. Do not go to work until you are free of fever, signs of a fever, and any other symptoms.
- If you appear to have symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) upon arrival at work or become sick during the day, you should go home right away.
- If you or someone in your immediate household is confirmed to have COVID-19, notify your human resources department. They can then inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 while maintaining your confidentiality — which is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
What should you do if you are diagnosed with COVID-19?
If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect that you have the virus, speak with a doctor and follow their guidance. Additionally, use these best practices to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community.
- Stay home except to get medical care, stay in touch with your doctor, and avoid public areas and public transportation.
- Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home — this is known as home isolation.
- Call ahead before visiting your doctor.
- Wear a facemask if you are sick and need to be around other people.
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue and then throw it away.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid sharing personal household items like dishes, eating utensils, and towels.
- Clean all “high-touch” surfaces every day with household cleaners.
- Monitor your symptoms and seek medical attention quickly if your illness worsens.
Create a plan for your household
- Make a plan in case your office, child’s school, or daycare is closed. Be sure to bring homework documents that you may need in the event of closure over a long time period.
- Identify any household members who may be at risk for more severe or life-threatening illness from COVID-19, including the elderly and those with medical conditions.
- Identify aid organizations in your community. Create a list of local organizations that you and your household can contact in the event you need access to information, healthcare services, support, and resources. Consider including organizations that provide mental health or counseling services, food, and other supplies.
Ways to support yourself and deal with stress
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Focusing too much on COVID-19 can be upsetting.
- Take care of your body. Take breaks to stretch or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly while remaining a safe distance from others, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Get outside and take a walk (while staying six feet away from other people). Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
- Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. Video chats are a great way to talk to groups of people.
Additional Resources
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Disaster Preparation Supply Kit
State Health Department coronavirus websites
Coronavirus information and resources are constantly changing from state to state. Click below to visit your state's Health Department Coronavirus website:
