Even though restrictions may continue to be in flux based on variants and cases, you can continue to take preventative measures into your own hands. Below, you’ll find some of the best habits to protect yourself and others and how to ease symptoms if you should test positive, while we continue to navigate the changing landscape of the pandemic.
COVID-19 prevention tips
Even if you aren’t feeling sick, these tips can help you, your loved ones, and your community stay safe:
Get Vaccinated and stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines.According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing you from getting sick and are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death if you should get SARS-CoV-2 — the virus that causes COVID-19.
It’s important to note that treatments used for COVID-19 should be prescribed by your healthcare provider, so you’ll want to talk to your healthcare provider about options that could be the best fit for you. Some of the other recommendations your healthcare provider may suggest to relieve symptoms and support your body’s natural defenses include[5]:
Taking medications, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to bring down fever [5]
Drinking water to stay hydrated.[5] Remaining hydrated while sick helps your body fight the infection. In general, it’s a good rule of thumb to drink 6–8 glasses (8oz/serving) of water a day. Foods with high water content—like some fruits, vegetables, and soups—also help keep you hydrated. Unsure if you’re getting enough fluids? If you’re well-hydrated, your urine should be a light color.
Getting plenty of rest to help your body fight the virus[5]
Monitoring symptoms during a quarantine
Be sure to keep a close eye on your symptoms and contact your healthcare provider if you notice your symptoms are severe, do not improve, or get worse. You should seek medical attention right away if you experience any of the following[4]:
Even if you no longer have any symptoms, you’ll want to follow the CDC’s recommendations for quarantine and isolation and discuss with your healthcare provider to determine when you can resume your normal activities.
With COVID-19 continuing to impact communities nationwide, Everlywell believes access to easy and affordable testing options is important to the health and safety of everyone. You can now proactively test for a SARS-CoV-2 infection with the Everlywell COVID-19 Test Home Collection Kit DTC without having to complete an eligibility screener to confirm symptoms or exposure. Collect your sample at home and ship it free for secure digital results and a telehealth consult available to guide you through your next steps.
Want to get COVID-19 results at home in 15 minutes? Everlywell also offers the BD Veritor At-Home COVID-19 Test, which enables you to collect and test your sample at home and receive digital results on a compatible smartphone. The serial test is intended to be used twice over two to three days, with at least 24 hours and no more than 48 hours between tests.*
This product has not been FDA cleared or approved; but has been authorized by FDA under EUA. This product has been authorized only for the detection of proteins from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens. The emergency use of this product is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of IVDs for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or authorization is revoked sooner.
This home collection kit has not been FDA cleared or approved. This home collection kit has been authorized by FDA under an EUA. This home collection kit has been authorized only for the home collection and maintenance of nasal swab specimens as an aid in detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens. This home collection kit in combination with the authorized test is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostic tests for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner.
References:
1. CDC Museum COVID-19 Timeline. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. URL. Accessed February 24, 2022.
2. Coronavirus Resource Center. John Hopkins University and Medicine. URL. February 24, 2022.
3. How to Protect Yourself & Others. CDC. URL. Accessed February 24, 2022.
4. What to Do If You Are Sick. CDC. URL. Accessed February 24, 2022.
5. Treatments Your Healthcare Provider Might Recommend if You Are Sick. CDC. URL. Accessed February 24, 2022.
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