COVID-19

Treating COVID-19 at home: Care tips for you and others

Providing care at home for a person sick with COVID-19? Or caring for yourself at home? Understand when emergency care is needed and what you can do to prevent the spread of infection.By Mayo Clinic Staff

If you have coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and you’re caring for yourself at home or you’re caring for a loved one with COVID-19 at home, you might have questions. How do you know when emergency care is needed? How long do you need to isolate? What can you do to prevent the spread of germs? How can you support a sick loved one and manage your stress? Here’s what you need to know.

At-home treatment

Most people who become sick with COVID-19 will only have mild illness and can get better at home. Symptoms might last a few days. People who have the virus might feel better in about a week. Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and includes:

  • Rest
  • Fluids
  • Pain relievers

But older adults and people of any age with existing long-lasting (chronic) medical conditions should call their health care provider as soon as symptoms start. These factors put people at greater risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19. People with these conditions who get COVID-19 may also be eligible for certain treatments. These treatments need to start within a few days after symptoms start.

Follow the health care provider’s suggestions about care and staying at home (isolating). Talk to the provider if you have any questions about treatments. Help the sick person get food and any drugs needed. And, if needed, take care of his or her pet.

Also think about how caring for a sick person might affect your health. If you are older or have an existing long-lasting (chronic) medical condition, such as heart or lung disease or diabetes, you may be at higher risk of serious illness with COVID-19. You might think about staying away from the ill person and finding another person to provide care. Also, you might choose to wear a mask that gives higher protection.

Emergency warning signs

Carefully watch yourself or your loved one for signs and symptoms that are getting worse.

The provider might suggest use of a home pulse oximeter, especially if the ill person has risk factors for severe illness with COVID-19 and COVID-19 symptoms. A pulse oximeter is a plastic clip that attaches to a finger. The device can help check breathing by measuring how much oxygen is in the blood. A reading of less than 92% might increase the need for staying in the hospital. If the provider recommends a pulse oximeter, make sure you understand how to use the device properly. And make sure you know when a reading should prompt a call to the provider.

If symptoms seem to be getting worse, call the provider.

If you or the person with COVID-19 has emergency warning signs, get medical attention right away. Call 911 or your local emergency number if you notice any emergency signs, including:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent chest pain or pressure
  • New confusion
  • Unable to stay awake
  • Bluish lips or face

This list doesn’t include all symptoms. Call the provider if you or the person with COVID-19 has other severe symptoms.