Six steps for safe home-based recovery from COVID-19
Do you have symptoms of COVID-19? If you suspect you have the virus, contact your health-care provider for advice.
Acute respiratory infections such as COVID-19 or seasonal influenza (flu) can be difficult to tell apart based on symptoms alone. While they are both respiratory infections, they are caused by different viruses, and there are some key differences in terms of symptoms and how they affect different risk groups. For more information on the similarities and differences between COVID-19 and flu, see this page.
Whether you have COVID-19, flu or another kind of respiratory infection, if you have mild or no symptoms and are not in a high-risk group, your health-care provider may advise you to recover at home. If this is the case, here are six essential tips to support a safe home-based recovery:
1 Limit contact with others
If you are experiencing symptoms, isolate yourself in a separate room so as to protect those around you from becoming infected. If this is not possible, try to sleep in a separate bed. It is important to use a separate bathroom. If this is not available, limit your movements within shared spaces, keep at least a 1-metre distance from others, and restrict your activities to only doing essential tasks.
2 Identify a caregiver
To help you recover quickly, choose a caregiver who is healthy and does not have health conditions that put them at risk for severe disease. [CK1] When in the same space as your caregiver, wear a mask to reduce the spread of infectious particles that may be inhaled or exhaled. Remove your mask only when you are alone and wash your hands regularly. The caregiver should also wear a mask to protect themselves. Learn more about masks.
Monitor yourself and household members for symptoms, even if you are vaccinated and taking precautions.
3 Create a comfortable and hygienic recovery space
Maintain good hygiene throughout your recovery. Identify frequently touched surfaces and disinfect them regularly. If possible, use designated dishes, cups, eating utensils, bedding and towels for yourself.
Shared surfaces at home should be cleaned and disinfected at least once a day. Learn more about cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.
Set up a comfortable recovery area with essentials such as bedding, water, medications, masks and hand sanitizer within reach. Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows regularly. Learn more about COVID-19 and ventilation.
4 Treat symptoms
The symptoms of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections may last a few days or longer. They can range from fever and chills to fatigue and sore throat. Some people may experience additional symptoms such as muscle aches, runny nose, headache, sore eyes or dizziness.
Follow the advice of your health-care provider on managing symptoms, which may include medication to manage fever and/or body pain. Individuals who are at high risk might need to use a pulse oximeter to monitor their oxygen level and report the results to their health-care provider.
Remember, antibiotics are not effective against COVID-19 (unless prescribed for a bacterial complication). Learn more about COVID-19 and antibiotics.
5 Prioritize rest and recovery
Recovering from COVID-19 can be physically and mentally challenging. It is common to experience fatigue, so allow yourself ample time to rest and recover without pressure.
Support your mental health and well-being by:
- Eating healthy and nutritious meals, and drinking plenty of fluids
- Taking the time to rest
Talking to someone you trust.
Learn more about protecting your mental health.
6 Stay in touch with your health-care provider
Monitor your symptoms closely and seek medical advice if your condition worsens:
- Adults: Watch for danger signs such as lightheadedness, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest pain, or signs of dehydration.
- Children: Watch for sudden confusion, lack of appetite, or blue lips or face.
Infants and babies: Be alert to irritability and difficulty breastfeeding or taking a bottle.
Recovery can take time. Keep in mind to continuously wear a mask when you are around your caregivers and to regularly wash your hands with soap or use alcohol-based hand rubs. Until you are better, avoid crowded places or areas that are poorly ventilated.
All of these steps will help you reduce the risk of contaminating surfaces and infecting other people.
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