COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease. And in a country like the Philippines, which is densely populated, containing a viral outbreak is difficult. This is why a quarantine was implemented to slow down the spread of the coronavirus.
But even with the community quarantine, there is still the risk of contracting the disease, especially as people continue to go outside for work and do errands.
But what do you do if you think you have COVID-19? Should you immediately go to the hospital? What happens if you are tested positive for COVID-19?
If you have tested positive for COVID-19, what’s next?
In case you exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19, and if you believe that you may have been exposed, immediately self-quarantine. If the symptoms worsen and your breathing becomes difficult, head to the hospital for proper consultation and diagnosis.
The doctor may recommend that you get tested in a hospital to confirm COVID-19.
If you have tested positive for COVID-19 , the medical team may proceed with the proper treatment and will advise you to take the necessary precautions so that you avoid spreading the virus to other people.
Remember, if you do get a positive result, do not panic.
While there is no cure for the disease yet, there are ways to manage the diseased.
Also, a number of people who have been diagnosed with COVID19 have made full recoveries.
People who have been tested positive for COVID-19 usually experience mild symptoms. These include
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Dry cough
- Muscle pain
- Loss of appetite
- Other flu-like symptoms
People who have these symptoms do not need to be admitted to a hospital, since mild symptoms can be managed at home..
Here are some other important reminders if you have tested positive for COVID-19 :
- Be sure to monitor your symptoms. Call the doctor immediately if the symptoms get worse, or if you have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
- If living with other people, be sure to isolate yourself and keep your distance. Avoid sharing the same bathroom and utensils. If there is no option, always disinfect every item you use.
- Make sure to disinfect surfaces that you may have touched.
- To avoid spreading the virus, wear a mask properly. Make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Practice self-isolation by avoiding going out or going to crowded places.
- Self-quarantine for 14 days.
- Stay hydrated and take your medications as prescribed by the doctor to alleviate symptoms.
- If you no longer experience any symptoms, it is recommended that you take a test to make sure that you have completely recovered from the virus.
- If you are going to the hospital, it is advised that you wear a mask and contact your doctor in advance so that they may make the necessary arrangements for your arrival.
Mild symptoms are usually no cause for concern. But it is still important to monitor your symptoms and to isolate yourself to avoid spreading the disease.
For patients who have moderate symptoms, here are some things to remember:
- There are situations where home care is advisable, even for moderate symptoms. However, be sure to consult your physician first.
- Make sure to monitor your symptoms, especially your breathing. If your condition worsens, you need to go to the hospital immediately.
- If you are staying at home, you will still need to isolate yourself and follow the aforementioned reminders in order to avoid spreading the virus.
In cases of people who have severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, hospitalization will be necessary.
If you think you are infected, undergo self-quarantine
You should not wait to get tested before you quarantine yourself. If you believe that you may have COVID-19, immediately take the necessary precautions to avoid spreading the disease.
Immediately undergo self-quarantine if:
- You have recently traveled to a place that has had confirmed cases of COVID-19.
- You experience any symptoms such as fever, body pains, fatigue, cough and other flu-like symptoms.
- You’ve been in close proximity to someone who has tested positive for the virus.
It’s important to self-quarantine as test results may take a few days. This is also to prevent the transmission of the virus.
Even if you do not show any symptoms, you should self-quarantine, most especially if there is the possibility of being exposed. Asymptomatic patients are said to have the potential to spread the virus to other people.
Ideally, you will need to quarantine yourself for 14 days. If you are living with other people, isolate yourself in a separate room, and use a separate bathroom.
Your clothes also need to be washed daily with disinfectant. You should also wear a mask, and practice proper hand washing in order to prevent the spread of the virus around the house.
Any areas where the virus may harbor should also be disinfected regularly.
Once the 14 days are over, and you no longer show any symptoms, you may stop the self-quarantine.
Key Takeaways
Being diagnosed with COVID-19 is not a death sentence. While a cure for the virus has yet to be found, many patients have made full recoveries.
If you have tested positive for COVID-19, do not panic. As long as you follow the proper protocol, self-quarantine, and follow the recommendations of your doctor, then the disease can successfully be managed, even without a cure.
