What is COVID-19?
In short A respiratory infection that can affect the lungs, heart, brain, and other organs. Older adults and people with conditions like heart, lung, kidney disease, diabetes, or weak immunity have higher risk of severe illness.
Good to know: Early testing and prompt contact with your clinician can open the door to antiviral treatment in the first days of symptoms. Keep a current medicine list handy.
When to seek urgent help
- Struggling to breathe, blue/gray lips or face, cannot speak full sentences
- New confusion, fainting, or severe chest pain
- Very low oxygen reading on your usual home device or a rapid drop from your normal
- Severe dehydration (very little urine, dizziness on standing)
These can be emergencies — seek care immediately.
Common symptoms
- Fever or chills, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose
- Cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness
- Headache, body aches, fatigue
- Loss or change of taste/smell (may or may not occur)
- Upset stomach: nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Higher-risk situations
- Age 65+, or multiple medical conditions
- Immunosuppression (medicines or conditions)
- Recently hospitalized for heart or lung issues
Testing & isolation basics
When to test
- Symptoms present or known exposure — use a rapid antigen test now and repeat if the first is negative while symptoms continue.
- Before visiting someone high-risk, consider testing the same day.
If positive
- Stay home away from others as advised by your clinician/local health guidance.
- Improve air: open windows, use exhaust fans or air purifiers.
- Wear a high-filtration mask if you must be around others.
Details can change. Follow your local public health guidance and your clinician’s advice.
Treatment timing & interactions
Act early
- Contact your clinician as soon as symptoms start. Antiviral pills are generally started in the first few days of illness for those at higher risk.
- Bring your full medicine list (including supplements). Some antivirals interact with common heart or cholesterol medicines; your dose may be adjusted or a different treatment chosen.
Supportive care
- Fluids, rest, and nutrition
- Fever/aches: acetaminophen as directed (mind total daily dose)
- Cough relief and nasal saline if helpful
Treatment is individualized. Kidney, liver, and heart conditions — and your current medicines — guide the safest plan.
Home care & monitoring
Daily checks
- Temperature, symptoms, and fluid intake
- If you use a pulse oximeter: note your usual level and alert your clinician if it drops or stays low for you
- Keep medicines organized; refill reminders help
Protect household
- Ventilate rooms; consider a HEPA air cleaner in shared spaces
- Mask when near others; separate sleeping if possible
- Clean hands, high-touch surfaces, and shared devices
Prevention: air, masks, vaccines
Better air
- Open windows and cross-ventilate when visitors come by
- Use exhaust fans (kitchen/bath) or a portable air cleaner
- Meet outdoors when practical
Masks & shots
- Wear a high-filtration mask (well-fitted) in crowded indoor spaces
- Stay “up to date” with COVID-19 vaccination per local guidance
- Ask whether you’re eligible for additional protection based on your health
Travel & visiting others
Before you go
- Pack a medicine list and extra doses
- Carry a few rapid tests and high-filtration masks
- Plan for fresh-air breaks; choose less-crowded times when possible
Long COVID overview
Common issues
- Fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, sleep changes, mood symptoms
- Symptoms can improve gradually; pacing helps avoid crashes
Follow-up
- Keep a symptom and activity log
- Ask about pulmonary rehab, sleep evaluation, and mood support if needed
Questions for your clinician
- Am I eligible for antiviral treatment if I test positive? How soon should I start?
- Do any of my medicines interact with COVID treatments?
- What should my isolation and masking plan look like at home?
- Which vaccines or boosters are recommended for me now?
- When should I check oxygen levels or seek in-person care?
- How do we evaluate lingering symptoms after recovery?
Quick answers
When should I contact my clinician?
Right away if you’re high-risk and develop symptoms — early treatment windows are short.
Do I still need to test?
Yes, when you have symptoms or a known exposure. Repeat if the first antigen test is negative and symptoms continue.
Which mask works best?
A well-fitted, high-filtration mask (e.g., respirator-style) offers better protection in crowded indoor spaces.
What about medicine interactions?
Some antivirals interact with common heart or cholesterol medicines. Share your full medicine list so your clinician can choose safely.
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