Worried about COVID-19? You don’t need a textbook—just clear, useful steps you can use right away. This page breaks down what to do if you think you were exposed, how to test the right way, basic home care, and when to call a doctor. No fluff, just the facts that matter.
If you have symptoms—fever, cough, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, or sudden fatigue—take a rapid antigen test right away. Rapid tests are good at showing when you’re contagious. If the rapid test is negative but symptoms are new or strong, follow up with a PCR test or repeat the rapid test 24–48 hours later.
If you were exposed but feel fine, consider testing about five days after exposure or sooner if symptoms start. If your test is positive, stay home and avoid contact with others. Use a separate bedroom and bathroom if possible, wear a well-fitting N95 or KN95 around housemates, and improve ventilation—open windows or run a fan to push air outside.
Most people with COVID-19 do fine at home. Rest, stay hydrated, and treat fever or pain with acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed. Watch symptoms closely for the first week; that’s when breathing problems can show up.
If you’re at higher risk (age over 60, diabetes, heart or lung disease, weakened immune system, or obesity), call your doctor early. Antiviral medicines such as nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) or remdesivir can help but must be started within a few days of symptom start. Your provider can tell you if you qualify and arrange a prescription fast.
Get urgent help if you have trouble breathing, new confusion, inability to stay awake, or blue lips/face. Also seek care if oxygen saturation falls below about 94% on a pulse oximeter. If you don’t have one, any sudden shortness of breath or chest pain should trigger a call or emergency visit.
Preventing spread matters: stay up-to-date on vaccines and boosters, wear a high-quality mask in crowded or indoor spaces, and test before visiting vulnerable people. Good ventilation, hand hygiene, and staying home when sick are easy moves that cut risk.
Need quick info on medications or how to get prescriptions safely? FaastPharmacy.com keeps simple, clear guides on treatments and safe online pharmacy choices so you can act fast and smart. If you’re unsure about symptoms or treatment, call your healthcare provider—early action often makes a big difference.
Want more practical articles—like testing tips, safe buying of medications, or how different treatments work? Browse our COVID-19 tag for plain-language guides you can use today.
