KGW8 – The top five symptoms of COVID-19 are a runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing and a sore throat. Many of those symptoms overlap with common flu and cold illnesses, which is why it’s important to seek testing.
Individuals who test positive should follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and isolate at home, regardless of their vaccination status.
The infected individual and anyone else in the home should wear masks indoors at all times, according to guidance from the Washington State Department of Health, and adjust their masks or wear two masks in order to close any gaps around the edges.
People who test positive should also reach out to close recent contacts and let them know they’ve been exposed, and those people should also quarantine.
Individuals who are isolating at home should stay hydrated, use over-the-counter medications as needed for symptoms and make sure their indoor spaces are well-ventilated, according to the Washington DOH guidance.
Heating system fans should be set to “on” or “high” rather than “auto,” and HVAC system filters should be kept fresh.
Windows should also be briefly opened to let fresh air in, when possible.
Individuals should seek medical help if they develop severe symptoms such as trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, confusion or inability to wake or stay awake.
Pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds and abnormally low pulse oximeter readings are also signs of severe illness.
The CDC recently revised its guidance from 10 days of isolation to five.
Anyone with symptoms should stay home until they feel better, but individuals who are asymptomatic or whose symptoms have abated can return to work and other regular activity after five days, although the CDC guidance states they should wear a mask at all times for another five days … READ MORE.
