If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, there are still steps you can take to help prevent the spread. The biggest thing you can do is self-isolate. Stay home. Most people with COVID-19 only have a mild illness and can recover at home, without seeking medical care. Be sure to avoid public areas and only leave your house if you are getting medical care.

If you are living with other people in the home, it's important to separate yourself from others as much as possible. Try to stay in a single room as much as possible. If it is available use a separate bathroom from everyone else. If you cannot avoid being around others in your home, be sure to wear a cloth face covering.

Do not share personal household items with others that may be living in your household. Some commonly shared items to avoid are dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels or bedding.

Keep track and monitor any symptoms that you may be experiencing. Some common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever and cough. Shortness of breath is considered a more serious symptom and you are advised to get medical care, if you are experiencing it. If you develop any of the following emergency warning signs for COVID-19 seek medical attention immediately: Trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in your chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, bluish lips or face. These symptoms are not inclusive. Always consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that may be concerning to you.

Be sure to call ahead before you visit your doctor for routine care, many doctors appointments are being postponed or done by phone or telemedicine. If you think you have COVID-19, make your doctors office aware so the staff can properly protect themselves and other patients.

If you are sick, wear a cloth covering over your nose and mouth. You do not need to wear a cloth face covering if you are alone. If you are unable to wear a cloth face covering in public, due to trouble breathing, make sure you are covering your coughs and sneezes in some other way. Try to stay at least 6 feet away from other people. This will help protect the people around you.

Follow sanitizing suggestions from the CDC. Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces everyday, especially in your "sick room" and bathroom. Let someone else clean and disinfect surfaces in common areas, but not your bedroom or bathroom. Clean and disinfect areas that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them. Follow the instructions on the labels of your cleaning products to ensure safe and effective use. Many products recommend keeping the surface wet for several minutes to ensure germs are killed.

For additional information or guidance, please feel free to contact Cardinal Compliance at:

(419) 882-9224 or info@cardinalhs.net