When Should You See a Doctor or Self-Quarantine If You Think You Have COVID-19?

At the start of the pandemic, the thought of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 was terrifying. There weren’t good treatment options, and the number of people dying or facing severe symptoms kept climbing. 

These days, most people have had COVID infection or know people who’ve had it. The symptoms can be mild, and the recovery can be quick. But even with available treatments, it’s clear that COVID infection can still be dangerous.

How do you know when to visit your doctor’s office if you think you have COVID? Should you take a COVID test every time you experience symptoms? 

Keep reading to find out more about how to take care of yourself and when to get medical treatment for COVID. 

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

COVID symptoms can vary from person to person. And symptoms of COVID can look a lot like other respiratory infections, like the flu, common cold, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or even allergies.

Watch for the following symptoms of COVID infection: 

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Fatigue

• Muscle or body aches

• Headache

• Sore throat

• Congestion or runny nose

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

These symptoms usually show up 2 to 5 days after you’re exposed to the COVID virus, although this can vary slightly with different strains.

When can you stop isolating?

There aren't strict isolation timelines for COVID any more, like there were earlier in the pandemic. Instead, the way to manage being sick with COVID is now the same as with other respiratory viruses. That means your return to normal activities depends on how you feel — not on how many days have passed.

You should stay home and avoid close contact with others until all of the following are true:

• At least 24 hours have passed since you started having symptoms, and

• You've been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-relieving medication for at least 24 hours, and

• Your symptoms are getting better overall. 

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Once you meet these criteria, you can resume your usual activities. But you may still be contagious for a few more days. To help protect those around you, especially people at higher risk of severe illness, consider taking extra precautions for another 5 days:

• Keep some distance from others

• Wear a mask in crowded or indoor spaces 

• Improve airflow in indoor spaces you share with others (like opening windows or using air filters) 

• Practice good hygiene (wash your hands with soap and water frequently, and cover your coughs and sneezes) 

These steps aren’t required, but they lower the chance of spreading the virus while you’re recovering.

And if you work in a healthcare setting, your return-to-work rules will be different. You may need to take precautions for longer. Check with your employer or occupational health department for guidance.

What should you do if you have symptoms of COVID?

Since COVID symptoms overlap with other respiratory infections, a test is the only way to know for sure. Testing can help you decide what precautions to take and whether treatment may be an option.

COVID testing

At-home test kits that are FDA authorized are widely available. You can also get tested for COVID at pharmacies or health centers across the U.S. 

There are two types of tests that can show if you currently have COVID:

Molecular or PCR tests 

These tests look for the virus’s genetic material. They’re very sensitive and can detect even small amounts of the virus. These tests are usually sent to a laboratory and take a couple of days to come back. Some clinics offer same-day results. Typically, you get PCR tests from a healthcare professional. But a few home kits let you collect your own sample and mail it in.

Antigen tests 

These are the “rapid tests” that became popular during the pandemic. They test for proteins from the virus called “antigens.” They provide results in about 15 minutes. Antigen tests are less sensitive than molecular tests. They are most reliable when you have symptoms.

Before throwing away a test that looks expired, check the FDA website — many brands have had their shelf lives extended.

What it means if your test is negative

COVID tests — especially antigen tests — can be wrong. A negative test could mean:

• You don’t have COVID infection.

• You do have COVID infection, but it’s too early to detect it.

• You do have COVID infection, but the test didn’t pick it up.

If you used an antigen test, the FDA recommends repeating the test in 48 hours, especially if you still have symptoms. 

What to do if your test is positive

If your test is positive, you should take the precautions outlined above to limit the spread. Isolate at home if:

• You have a fever.

• Your symptoms are worsening or not improving.

• Your symptoms started less than 24 hours ago.

Once your symptoms are improving and you’re fever-free for 24 hours, you don’t need to keep isolating. But consider taking extra precautions for 5 days to help protect others.

When should you see a doctor for COVID infection?

Most people recover at home, but medical treatments for COVID can help if your symptoms are causing problems or if you’re at higher risk for severe illness.

Make an appointment to see a healthcare professional if you:

• Can’t eat or drink normally

• Have any difficulty breathing

• Feel chest pain 

• Have a cough that keeps you from talking or sleeping

• Have a fever that won’t go away or that comes back after several days

• Have unexpected symptoms

• Are worried about your symptoms

Remember to wear a mask if you need in-person medical care for COVID. 

Remember that early treatment matters. Antiviral medications work best when started within the first few days of symptoms.

And if you have an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, cancer, or a weak immune system, you might benefit from treatment even if your symptoms are mild.

What should you do if your symptoms are mild?

Most people with mild symptoms can manage them at home without the need for antiviral medication or hospitalization.

Even with mild symptoms, remember that you can still spread the virus. Take precautions around others to help keep them safe, especially those who are medically vulnerable.

Caring for yourself at home

Simple home remedies can help you feel better: Stay well-hydrated, try saltwater gargles, humidifiers, and make sure you get plenty of rest. Over-the-counter medications like pain relievers, cough suppressants, or decongestants can ease symptoms like cough, congestion, and fever.

When should you go to the emergency room for COVID?

Although many people get through COVID infection without treatment, it’s important to remember that this illness can be dangerous. Take your symptoms seriously. Don’t assume that you’ll be fine just because you’re in a low-risk group. 

Go to an emergency room or call 911 if you have severe symptoms or your symptoms are getting worse and your primary care provider’s office is closed. Severe symptoms include: 

• Chest pain or pressure

• Difficulty breathing 

• Confusion

• Sleepiness that doesn’t let you stay awake

• Pale or blue fingers, toes, or lips

If you’re worried, play it safe and get a medical evaluation. Don’t try to address potentially dangerous symptoms at home. 

What if you test positive but don’t have any symptoms?

Some people with COVID infection never experience symptoms. But it’s still possible to spread the virus to others. So, if you test positive but don’t have any symptoms, you can help stop the spread by following the precautions listed above over the next 5 days. This is especially important if you’re going to be around people who’re at higher risk of severe disease from COVID. 

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Written by:

Kerry R. McGee, MD, FAAP

Kerry McGee, MD, FAAP, has over a decade of experience caring for babies, children, and teenagers as a primary care pediatrician. She has a special interest in adolescent health, particularly in adolescent mental health.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. A pulmonologist and hospitalist, she practiced and taught clinical medicine at hospitals in London for a decade before entering a career in health education and technology.

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