If you think you might have COVID-19, here’s what you should do

By K Health
Medically reviewed checkmarkMedically reviewed
December 10, 2020

First and foremost, seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or persistent pain or pressure in your chest.

If you had direct exposure to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 we recommend you get a test immediately; you can access a list of testing centers based on your location.

The contagious rate for COVID-19 is highest within the first 14 days of exposure, as that’s the time it takes for symptoms to develop. While waiting for your test results, limit exposure to other people; isolating yourself is the most effective way in preventing the spread of the virus. To further protect and prevent the spread COVID-19, inform anyone you’ve been in contact with since your known exposure immediately, and suggest they get tested for the virus.

It’s important to note that exposure to someone with COVID-19 is not the only reason to get tested: if you’re not feeling well (such as experiencing common cold-like symptoms) or you’ve lost your sense of taste and smell, we recommend you get tested and self-isolate while waiting for the results.

The CDC notes most people diagnosed with COVID-19 will be able to recover at home. If you’re worried about your symptoms, with a doctor, you can always text with one now in the K Health app.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

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