The Covid-19 pandemic is spreading like never before, thanks in part to the highly transmissible omicron variant that has been sweeping through the U.S. and around the world in recent months.
While millions of Americans are fully vaccinated and better protected against coronavirus infections, the fact remains that some vaccinated people can still become infected and exhibit symptoms of the virus. And, if you or someone in your household becomes infected, being prepared for the symptoms and isolation is essential to staying healthy and preventing further spread of Covid-19.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has detailed information on what to do if you become sick, including how to safely treat Covid symptoms at home. Here’s a breakdown of what you may need, and where to get it online, depending on your symptoms and living situation.
Masks
Properly fitted N95 and KN95 medical masks offer the best protection against the virus, so much so that the Biden administration plans to give away 400 million N95 masks starting at the end of this month. Masks aren’t just for the infected, but also important for other household members, especially if isolation can’t be maintained.
You can bolster your supply of masks from various online retailers, including Amazon and N95 Medical Supplies, each of which offer a variety of NIOSH-approved masks in bulk.
Medicines
Covid symptoms are often mild, but they can still bring you down the same way cough and cold symptoms can. Fortunately, you can treat them much the same way you would for another cough or cold. The CDC recommends acetaminophen, such as Tylenol or a store-brand variety, to help reduce fevers.
Getting plenty of sleep is also essential to recovery, and a sleep aid like Tylenol PM may help you sleep more soundly through the night.
Coughs and sore throats are also common symptoms, so stock up on your preferred cough drops or cough syrups too. And if you’re suffering from congestion, a sinus care medication, like non-drowsy Sudafed, may help clear you up (and don’t forget plenty of tissues).
You can always grab an all-in-one cough and cold medication, like Theraflu or DayQuil, to cover many of the symptoms you may encounter.
Check with your doctor
If you test positive for Covid-19, and you’re not having a medical emergency, one of your first steps should be to call your primary care doctor, report your test results and see what they recommend.
Some doctors will recommend that you get a pulse oximeter, which is an electronic device you place on your finger to monitor your blood oxygen levels. Such devices are readily available and relatively cheap ($15-$30) to buy online.
Isolation
Infected individuals are advised to immediately isolate, which, if they live with other people, means finding their own spaces inside their homes where they can avoid sharing and being in close proximity with others.
Those spaces should be appropriately stocked for the isolation period as well, which the CDC says should last for 5 days. If possible, a Covid-positive individual should be sleeping, living and using the bathroom in separate places from other members of their household. That means they’ll want their own:
... and any other normally shared items bathroom items, if possible. It might also mean you’ll want a separate supply of things you may not have thought of, such as:
And don’t forget to keep a window open for strong ventilation. In these cold winter months, you might even want to pick yourself up an extra blanket to keep warm.
Sitting around a table for shared meals is also discouraged, so maybe stock up on some of your preferred, easy to prepare soups and meals to enjoy in your Covid fortress.
Cleaning and disinfecting
The CDC recommends cleaning and disinfecting all “high-touch” surfaces every day, even in rooms where you are isolated. Use disposable gloves, and take extra care to clean frequently-used surfaces and places that may have bodily fluids or bodily waste with sanitizing products, such as Lysol wipes or sprays and toilet bowl cleaners.
Wash your hands frequently with anti-bacterial hand soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and make sure you have hand sanitizer available for when you can’t get to the sink.
At-home tests
The US government is now offering four free rapid antigen at-home test kits to every household in America. They may take time to ship, however, and you may need more than the four provided.
The good news is, you can find these kits online too. You can order them from your preferred retailer or pharmacy, including Amazon, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens and more.
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is important to help your body counteract the dehydrating symptoms of Covid, like sweating from the fever, excessive nose blowing and even diarrhea. If you prefer bottled water to tap, you can order in bulk online.
If you aren’t much of a water drinker, milk, fruit juice, sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade, caffeine-free teas and coconut water are all good alternatives to help with hydration.
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