COVID-19: Caring for a Patient at Home

By Jane Farrell

Most people who get sick with COVID-19 will have only mild illness and should recover at home, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Care at home can help stop the spread of COVID-19 and help protect people who are at risk for getting seriously ill from the virus.

However, adults and people of any age with certain serious underlying medical conditions like lung disease, heart disease, or diabetes are at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. They should seek care as soon as symptoms start.

COVID-19 spreads between people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Recent studies indicate that people who are infected but do not have symptoms likely also play a role in the spread of COVID-19.

If you are caring for someone at home, monitor for emergency signs, prevent the spread of germs, treat symptoms, and carefully consider when to end home isolation:

1. MONITOR THE PERSON FOR SYMPTOMS. KNOW THE EMERGENCY WARNING SIGNS.

Have their healthcare provider’s contact information on hand.

If they are getting sicker, call their healthcare provider. For medical emergencies, call 911 and notify the dispatch personnel that they have or are suspected to have COVID-19.

2. WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately.

Emergency warning signs include:

Trouble breathing

Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

New confusion or inability to arouse

Bluish lips or face

This list is not all inclusive, the CDC emphasizes. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

3. PREVENT THE SPREAD OF GERMS WHEN CARING FOR SOMEONE WHO IS SICK

Have the person stay in one room, away from other people, including yourself, as much as possible.

If possible, have them use a separate bathroom.

Avoid sharing personal household items, like dishes, towels, and bedding

Have them wear a cloth face covering (that covers their nose and mouth) when they are around people, including you.

It the sick person can’t wear a cloth face covering, you should wear one while in the same room with them.

If the sick person needs to be around others (within the home, in a vehicle, or doctor’s office), they should wear a cloth face covering that covers their mouth and nose.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after interacting with the sick person. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

Don’t touch your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Avoid having any unnecessary visitors.

Every day, clean all surfaces that are touched often, like counters, tabletops, and doorknobs

Use household cleaning sprays or wipes according to the label instructions.

Wash laundry thoroughly.

If laundry is soiled, wear disposable gloves and keep the soiled items away from your body while laundering. Wash your hands immediately after removing gloves.

Avoid having any unnecessary visitors.

For any additional questions about their care, contact their healthcare provider or state or local health department.

4. PROVIDE SYMPTOM TREATMENT

Make sure the sick person rests at home and drinks plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

Over-the-counter medicines may help with symptoms.

For most people, symptoms last a few days and get better after a week. The CDC emphasizes that there may be exceptions.

5. WHEN TO END HOME ISOLATION (STAYING HOME)

People with COVID-19 who have stayed home (are home isolated) can stop home isolation under the following conditions:

If they will not have a test to determine if they are still contagious, they can leave home after these three things have happened:

They have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers)

AND

other symptoms have improved (for example, when their cough or shortness of breath have improved)

AND

at least 7 days have passed since their symptoms first appeared

If they will be tested to determine if they are still contagious, they can leave home after these three things have happened:

They no longer have a fever (without the use of medicine that reduces fevers)

AND

other symptoms have improved (for example, when their cough or shortness of breath have improved)

AND

They received two negative tests in a row, 24 hours apart. Their doctor will follow CDC guidelines.

For more information on COVID-19, click here to visit the CDC’s website, and here to get daily updates.