Treating Yourself for Mild Symptoms of COVID-19

Taking Care of Yourself if You Have Coronavirus Symptoms

Most people who contract Coronavirus (COVID-19) will not require medical treatment beyond fever-reduction medication and drinking fluids. Learn more about how you can take care of yourself at home if you do become sick.

Self-Quarantining Within Your Home

When you’re sick with a viral respiratory infection, it is essential that you self-isolate within your home to prevent getting others in the community and your household sick. It is recommended that you designate a separate “sick” room, limiting your contact with other people. If you’re able to, it is also recommended that you use a separate washroom. Additionally, do not leave your home to run errands in the community. When possible, ask friends and family to do your grocery shopping, and drop-off supplies outside your front door.

Current CDC and Wyoming Department of Health Guidelines recommend home quarantine for patients with confirmed or suspected COVID infection:

• At least 7 days since symptoms first appeared
• At least 3 days (72 hours) since recovery, defined as resolution of fever without use of fever-reducing medications, and significant improvement in respiratory symptoms

Managing Your Symptoms

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while symptoms can vary in severity, there are a common set of symptoms associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. These include:

• Fever
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath

If you are exhibiting symptom, or possibly have a confirmed case of the coronavirus, you can use these following tips to help manage the illness at home, as outlined by the CDC.

• Monitor your symptoms: Use a thermometer to monitor your fever closely, checking your temperature twice daily. If your fever persists or your symptoms worse, call your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
• Stay Hydrated: It is important to drink plenty of fluids, especially when you have a fever and a cough.
• Get adequate rest: Get the recommended 7-9 hours of rest; this allows your body to fight off infection and recover more quickly.

If your condition worsens and you’d like to seek out medical care, call 307-739-4898, option 3, for a phone evaluation. Please do not come to St. John’s clinics or the hospital unless directed in the phone evaluation. This helps limit the spread of infectious diseases in the community.

If you are experiencing severe shortness of breath or are unable to catch your breath, call 9-1-1 or visit the emergency department at St. John’s Health. It is imperative that you call 307-739-4898, option 1, before you arrive to receive instructions on where to go and how to be seen. This allows medical professionals to take the necessary precautions to help limit the potential spread of COVID-19.

Sanitizing Your Home

If you are living with other people, it is imperative that you properly sanitize your home to keep your sickness contained. Use cleaning products labeled as antibacterial, antiseptic, or antimicrobial to clean frequently used areas in your home. Some germ hot-spots to be sure to wipe down include:

• Doorknobs and handles
• Appliance hands, knobs, and doors
• Remotes
• Light switches
• Bathroom countertops
• Kitchen countertops

It’s also important that you frequently wash and change fabrics that you come into contact with regularly. This includes towels, face cloths, clothing, and sheets.

COVID-19 Updates for Jackson, Wilson, and Teton County

St. John's Health is working with community health partners on keeping the community of Jackson, WY and the region informed on Coronavirus information.

Visit our dedicated Coronavirus webpage for updates and additional information.