COVID-19: Tracy’s Guide for Families
Part 1: What to do if you are sick?
Q: What can I do if I am sick?
💁Tracy: If you have mild symptoms, such as low-grade fever, mild dry cough and mild fatigue, don’t panic!
It might be COVID-19 or just an ordinary cold! Following are my suggestions of what you should do to help yourself and protect other people around you.
- Use CDC’s online Self-Checker to see if you indeed have warning signs and what you need to do next.
- Stay home.
- Stay away from others.
- Call your doctor for medical advice.
- Get a test for COVID-19, if available.
|If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, get medical attention immediately! Emergency warning signs include*: |
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face
* This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning. (Source: CDC Website)
Visual Tips: How to stay away from others?
💁Tracy’s Tips on how to take care of yourself and protect others around you if you are sick with COVID-19:
Avoid any public occasion.
Avoid public transportation.
Stay in an “isolation” room, use a separate bathroom, if available.
Restrict contact with pets and other animals.
Don’t share items with other members of the household.
Stay a safe distance (6 feet) from other people.
How to take care of yourself?
- Stay in contact with your doctor. Call ahead before visiting your doctor’s office.
- Wear a face mask if you have to go around.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with tissues, dispose used tissues in a lined trash can and immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Clean your hands often by washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Monitor your symptoms:
- Monitor fever by taking temperatures twice a day.
- Stay alert for cough or difficulty breathing.
- Monitor blood oxygen level using a finger pulse oximeter every day, if available.
- If your symptoms become more severe, call your doctor immediately.
- Follow care instructions from your healthcare provider and local health department.
- Call 911 if you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, notify the operator about it, put a face mask before medical help arrives.
|Simple facts about COVID-19|
About 80% of people who are ill with mild symptoms are able to recover at home. About 90% of the patients with severe symptoms are able to recover under professional medical care in hospitals.
References WHO: Home care for patients with suspected novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection presenting with mild symptoms and management of contacts.  CDC COVID-19 Guideline: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Writing: Jingyi Xi, PotterW et al, Translation: Jingyi Xi, et al, Artwork: Henry Yuanheng Hu
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