Learning How To Care for Someone Who Has COVID-19

Things to know

Most people who get COVID-19 will recover with time and home care. Here are some things to know if you're caring for someone who's sick.

• Treat the symptoms.

  Common symptoms include a fever, coughing, and feeling short of breath. Urge the person to get extra rest and drink plenty of fluids to replace fluids lost from fever.

  To reduce a fever, offer acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). It may also help with muscle aches. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

• Watch for signs that the illness is getting worse.

  The person may need medical care if they're getting sicker (for example, if it's hard to breathe). But call the doctor's office before you go. They can tell you what to do.

  Call 911 or emergency services if the person has any of these symptoms:

  • Severe trouble breathing or shortness of breath.
  • Constant pain or pressure in their chest.
  • Confusion, or trouble thinking clearly.
  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin or lips.

  Some people are more likely to get very sick and need medical care. Call the doctor as soon as symptoms start if the person you're caring for is over 65, smokes, or has a serious health problem, like asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or an immune system problem.

• Protect yourself and others.

  The virus spreads easily from person to person, so take extra care to avoid catching or spreading the infection.

  • Keep the sick person away from others as much as you can.
    • Have the person stay in one room. If you can, give them their own bathroom to use.
    • Have only one person take care of them. Keep other people—and pets—out of the sickroom.
    • Have the person wear a mask around other people. This includes when anyone is in the room with them or if they leave their room (for example, to go to the bathroom).
    • Don't share personal items. These include dishes, cups, towels, and bedding.
  • Wash your hands often and well. Use soap and water, and scrub for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important after you've been around the sick person or touched things they've touched. If soap and water aren't handy, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Wear a mask when caring for someone who is sick. And wear a mask when you're around other people after you've cared for someone who's sick.
  • Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes.
  • Take care with the person's laundry. It's okay to wash the sick person's laundry with yours. If you have them, wear disposable gloves when handling their dirty laundry, and wash your hands well after you touch it. Wash items in the warmest water allowed for the fabric type, and dry them completely.
  • Clean high-touch items every day and anytime the sick person touches them. These include doorknobs, light switches, toilets, counters, and remote controls. Use a household disinfectant or a homemade bleach solution. (Follow the directions on the label.) If the sick person has their own room, have them disinfect it every day.
  • Avoid having visitors. If you have to have visitors, everyone needs to wear a mask and stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from you. And keep the visit as short as possible. To help protect family and friends, stay in touch with them only by phone or computer.
  • If you haven't had COVID-19 in the past 3 months or aren't fully vaccinated, you may need to quarantine.