What should I do if I am caring for someone who is sick at home?

  • Caregivers should stay home and monitor their health for COVID-19 symptoms while caring for the person who is sick.
    • Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath but other symptoms may be present as well. Trouble breathing is a more serious warning sign that you need medical attention.
  • Caregivers should continue to stay home after care is complete. Caregivers can leave their home 5 days after their last close contact with the person who is sick (based on the time it takes to develop illness), or 5 days after the person who is sick meets the criteria to end home isolation.
  • The best way to protect yourself and others is to stay home for 5 days if you think you’ve been exposed to someone who has COVID-19.
  • Use CDC’s self-checker tool to help you make decisions about seeking appropriate medical care.