What should you do if you have a positive COVID-19 test?
If you test positive, you should stay home. Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. Do not visit public areas. If you have trouble breathing, or any questions about your care, call your primary care provider. Many visits can be done by phone or telemedicine.
You may experience one or more of the following symptoms throughout your illness:
- Cough
- Chest pain/pressure
- Chills
- Confusion
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue (feeling tired)
- Fever (high temperature)
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and or vomiting (sick to your stomach)
- Runny nose or congestion
- Sore throat
This list does not include all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
When should you seek care?
Get medical care immediately if:
- Your breathing becomes so hard that you can’t catch your breath
- You have pain or pressure in the chest
- You experience new confusion
- You are unable to wake or stay awake
- There are changes in color on your lips, gums, face, or around the eyes or nails
Call 911 or report to the nearest Emergency Department.
Tell your health care provider or 911 that you have COVID-19 and are isolating at home.
Learn more about COVID-19 testing
To read more about when to get tested and the types of tests that are available, please visit the CDC's COVID-19 Testing: What You Need to Know page.