What are the next steps for a patient with no underlying health conditions who has tested positive for COVID-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms such as fever, cough, or fatigue?

COVID-19 Positive Patient Information and Follow-Up Guidelines

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 with mild symptoms (fever, cough, fatigue) and no underlying health conditions, you should isolate at home for at least 5 days from symptom onset, manage your symptoms with simple measures, and seek immediate medical attention if you develop warning signs of severe disease. 1, 2

Immediate Actions After Testing Positive

• Isolate immediately for at least 5 days from when your symptoms started or from your positive test date if you have no symptoms 1, 2
• Stay in a separate room from household members when possible and maintain at least 2 meters (6 feet) distance from others 3, 4
• Wear a surgical mask when around others to prevent transmission 3
• Monitor your symptoms daily, particularly watching for warning signs that require urgent medical attention 1

Managing Your Symptoms at Home

For Fever

• Take paracetamol (acetaminophen) as your first choice for fever and body aches—this is preferred over ibuprofen or other NSAIDs for COVID-19 1, 5
• Use paracetamol only while fever and symptoms are present, then stop 1
• Drink fluids regularly to avoid dehydration, but no more than 2 liters per day 1
• Do not take fever-reducing medications solely to lower your temperature—only use them if you have discomfort from fever 1

For Cough

• Try honey (if you are over 1 year old) as a simple first measure 1
• Avoid lying flat on your back, as this makes coughing less effective 1
• If cough becomes severely distressing, contact your provider about short-term cough suppressants 1

For Shortness of Breath

• Sit upright rather than lying down, as this improves breathing 1
• Try leaning forward with your arms braced on a chair or your knees—this position improves lung capacity 1
• Practice pursed-lip breathing: breathe in through your nose for several seconds, then breathe out slowly through pursed lips for 4-6 seconds 1
• Relax and drop your shoulders to reduce the hunched posture that comes with anxiety 1

Warning Signs: When to Contact Your PROVIDER Immediately

Contact your healthcare provider or seek urgent evaluation if you develop any of these symptoms: 1, 6

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing that is new or worsening
• Chest pain or chest tightness
• Respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute or more (count your breaths for one full minute)
• Oxygen saturation of 93% or less (if you have a home pulse oximeter)
• Persistent high fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F) despite taking paracetamol
• Inability to stay awake or confusion
• Bluish lips or face
• Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea leading to dehydration

When to Go Directly to LOCATION (Emergency Department)

Go to the emergency department immediately or call emergency services if you experience: 1, 6

• Severe difficulty breathing or gasping for air
• Persistent chest pain or pressure
• New confusion or inability to wake up
• Bluish discoloration of lips or face
• Feeling like you might pass out or loss of consciousness

Routine Follow-Up Timing

• Within 48-72 hours: Contact your provider for a check-in if symptoms persist or if you have any concerns, even without warning signs 6
• If symptoms worsen at any time: Contact your provider immediately rather than waiting for a scheduled follow-up 6
• Most patients with mild symptoms improve within 5-10 days without requiring medical intervention 1

Special Considerations

• Loss of taste or smell is very common with COVID-19 (present in 85-88% of patients) and does not require urgent evaluation unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms 6
• Isolated gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) can occur with COVID-19 and should not be ignored, but typically do not require urgent care unless severe 6
• After 5 days of isolation, you may end isolation if you are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication and your symptoms are improving 2
• Continue to wear a mask around others through day 10 after symptom onset 2

Important Safety Notes

• Do not use NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) as your first choice for fever—paracetamol is preferred for COVID-19 1, 5
• Avoid strenuous exercise or athletic training until you have fully recovered and been symptom-free, as returning to intense activity too soon can be harmful 1
• Even with mild symptoms, you can transmit the virus to others, so strict isolation is essential 2, 3