CDC : Home Care For COVID-19 Cases

#15,117

Regardless of how well social distancing, work-from-home, and other NPI measures designed to reduce the spread of COVID-19 are implemented - you, I, and pretty much everyone you know - will probably be exposed to the virus at some point over the next 12 to 18 months.

The goal is to slow the spread, flatten the curve, and hopefully keep the health care system from collapsing. But most models suggest nearly the same amount of people will become infected, just spread out over a longer period of time. 

Since no nation's healthcare system can possibly handle tens (or hundreds) of millions of COVID-19 cases, only the `sickest of the sick' are going to be treated in hospitals.  Luckily, not everyone who is exposed will fall ill, and somewhere around 80% of symptomatic cases appear to be mild enough to be safely treated at home.

This isn't something unique to this pandemic.  It has always been assumed that most people infected in any pandemic would be cared for at home by friends or relatives (see Time To Line Up A `Flu Buddy').

Even the 10%-20% who are sick enough to be hospitalized may be enough to buckle even the most robust of health care systems, and so - unless you are seriously ill - you may be far better off at home. Most doctors will tell you, a hospital is no place for a sick person.

Nearly all of the pandemic home care guidance in the past has been based on `Pandemic Flu', and while much of that will apply to COVID-19 home care, the CDC has produced updated guidance for this particular disease.

Caring for someone at home

Most people who get sick with COVID-19 will have only mild illness and should recover at home.* Care at home can help stop the spread of COVID-19 and help protect people who are at risk for getting seriously ill from COVID-19.

COVID-19 spreads between people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. 

If you are caring for someone at home, monitor for emergency signs, prevent the spread of germs, treat symptoms, and carefully consider when to end home isolation.

*Note: Older adults and people of any age with certain serious underlying medical conditions like lung disease, heart disease, or diabetes are at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness and should seek care as soon as symptoms start.

Monitor the person for worsening symptoms. Know the emergency warning signs.

• Have their healthcare provider’s contact information on hand.

• If they are getting sicker, call their healthcare provider. For medical emergencies, call 911 and notify the dispatch personnel that they have or are suspected to have COVID-19.

People who develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 should get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

• New confusion or inability to arouse

• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning. 

Prevent the spread of germs when caring for someone who is sick

• Have the person stay in one room, away from other people, including yourself, as much as possible.

• If possible, have them use a separate bathroom.

• Avoid sharing personal household items, like dishes, towels, and bedding

• If facemasks are available, have them wear a facemask when they are around people, including you.

• It the sick person can’t wear a facemask, you should wear one while in the same room with them, if facemasks are available.

• If the sick person needs to be around others (within the home, in a vehicle, or doctor’s office), they should wear a facemask.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after interacting with the sick person. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Every day, clean all surfaces that are touched often, like counters, tabletops, and doorknobs

• Use household cleaning sprays or wipes according to the label instructions.

• Wash laundry thoroughly.

• If laundry is soiled, wear disposable gloves and keep the soiled items away from your body while laundering. Wash your hands immediately after removing gloves.

• Avoid having any unnecessary visitors.
• For any additional questions about their care, contact their healthcare provider or state or local health department. 

Provide symptom treatment 

• Make sure the sick person drinks a lot of fluids to stay hydrated and rests at home.
• Over-the-counter medicines may help with symptoms.
• For most people, symptoms last a few days and get better after a week.

When to end home isolation (staying home)

People with COVID-19 who have stayed home (are home isolated) can stop home isolation under the following conditions:

If they will not have a test to determine if they are still contagious, they can leave home after these three things have happened:

• They have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use medicine that reduces fevers)

• AND

• other symptoms have improved (for example, when their cough or shortness of breath have improved)

• AND

• at least 7 days have passed since their symptoms first appeared

If they will be tested to determine if they are still contagious, they can leave home after these three things have happened: 

• They no longer have a fever (without the use medicine that reduces fevers)

• AND

• other symptoms have improved (for example, when their cough or shortness of breath have improved)

• AND

• They received two negative tests in a row, 24 hours apart. Their doctor will follow CDC guidelines.