During this epidemic, everyone must monitor their own physical health closely. Remain aware of whether you are experiencing symptoms that could be early signs of infection. By isolating yourself immediately and tending to your health, you ensure the lowest risk of spreading the illness or the illness becoming dangerous to you. 93% of cases are mild and remain that way, so most people who start to feel ill can handle the situation on their own or with the help of family.

We’d like to end this guide with a helpful set of steps you can take if you begin to feel sick, or if someone in your household is showing symptoms.

COVID-19 Primary Symptoms

• Persistent Cough

• Shortness of Breath

• High Temperature

Isolate Yourself for 7-14 Days

Self-isolation is a method to prevent others from catching your illness, whether or not you have a common cold or COVID-19. During this epidemic, it is advised that anyone who experiences two of the three primary symptoms, especially fever, should practice self-isolation. This means remaining inside your house and limiting contact with others.

If you live alone, isolate for seven days from the first noticed symptom. Take care of yourself and have everything delivered.

If you live with family, it’s assumed that they will have been infected before your symptoms became apparent. Isolate your entire family in the house for fourteen days, giving everyone a chance to become non-contagious before you emerge. It is safe to freely interact with family, with the exception of very young children and elderly who should be protected as best as possible.

Stock Up on Supplies via Delivery

You will need supplies during isolation. Fortunately, the gig economy has established a new availability for delivery services. Have everything delivered, but do not greet your delivery drivers at the door. Instead, set a box or crate out (a plastic bin is handy).  Spray the bin with disinfectant after you put it on the porch.

Then deliveries can be easily left for you and then brought into the house when the driver has safely gone. In this way, you can get all the groceries and other supplies you need without risk of spreading the illness.

Know Your Emergency Services

Emergency Room Symptoms

• Temp above 104 F
• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent chest pain or pressure
• Onset confusion
• Inability to arouse or awake
• Bluish lips or face

Just in case you or someone in your household develops the listed symptoms of a severe COVID infection, know the number and address of your local emergency services.

Care For Yourself Like a Cold or Flu

Take care of yourself and your family. Boost your immune systems and stay healthy however you can. Drink orange juice and take Vitamin C supplements. Keep everyone clean and cool. Treat the symptoms of cough and fever as they present themselves and keep an eye on fevers especially. Don’t let anyone go above 103 and prepare for emergency services if that appears to be the case.

Stay hydrated. Get plenty of rest and take the isolation time as a get-well vacation. The better you take care of yourself, the less likely the infection will become dangerous to you.

Limited Daily Exercise

Lastly, limit your daily exercise. Most people are not eager to do weightlifting or cardio when ill, but some athletes trend in that direction. Give yourself a break, but also stay active. Take a brisk walk through the house and shake out sore or stiff muscles a few times a day. Keeping your body limber (and your lymph nodes open) can help to reduce your discomfort and ensure that you can quickly return to fitness when you are well again.

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The entire world is working to limit the spread of coronavirus infection, but the virus spreads fast and we can’t always avoid infection-risk situations. If you or someone you live with has recently begun showing symptoms of cough, laboured breathing, and/or a fever, then take your household into 14-day quarantine and take care of each other. We are wishing all of you the best and encourage you to connect to services and communities online for any support you may need.