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?

The CDC recommends watching for the following symptoms of COVID infection: 

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• New loss of smell or taste

• Fatigue

• Muscle or body aches

• Headache

• Sore throat

• Congestion or runny nose

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

These symptoms may show up anywhere from 2 to 14 days after you’re exposed to the virus that causes COVID.

When can you stop isolating?

Since the COVID pandemic, the CDC has updated its isolation guidance for respiratory infections like COVID. Before, the recommended time to stay at home was based on testing results. But now, ending your isolation period depends on your symptoms.

Stay at home and avoid contact with others until you can say “yes” to all of these statements:

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

• You haven’t had a fever and haven’t used anti-fever medication for at least 24 hours.

• Your symptoms are getting better overall. 

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Even after you’ve checked these basic boxes, you can take further steps to protect those around you. Although you may be feeling better, it’s possible that you’ll continue to be contagious. This is why the CDC recommends that you take added precautions for another 5 days. Here are ways to keep yourself and others safe:

• Keep your distance from others. This can be especially important if you’re around people who’re at high-risk of severe disease from COVID. 

• Wear a mask. 

• Take more steps for cleaner air. This can include opening windows or changing the filters on your heating or air conditioning system. 

• Practice good hygiene. This includes washing your hands with soap and water frequently and covering your mouth with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. 

Note that the guidelines are different if you work in a healthcare setting and are trying to figure out when to return to work. In that case, you may need to isolate or take precautions for a longer time.

What should you do if you have symptoms of COVID?

A COVID test can help you figure out whether your symptoms are actually from COVID infection. The flu, common cold, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can have similar symptoms. But it isn’t possible to tell which virus you have just by your symptoms. This is where testing can help. 

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 for an active COVID infection: molecular or PCR tests, and antigen tests.

Molecular or PCR tests 

These tests look for genetic material from the virus. You usually have to go to a testing site to have your sample collected. Some home kits let you do a nose swab at home and then send it for testing. 

Molecular tests are the most sensitive. They’re able to detect the virus about 95% of the time when someone’s infected. Some testing centers offer same-day results for PCR tests. But usually you’ll have to wait a few days to get the result.

Antigen tests 

These are the “rapid tests” that became popular during the pandemic. They test for proteins from the virus called “antigens.” You can do antigen tests at home, health clinics, or testing sites. 

Antigen tests are less sensitive than molecular tests. They’re able to detect the virus about 80% of the time when someone’s infected. 

If your test kit is past its expiration date, check whether the FDA has extended its shelf life. Some tests may still be accurate longer than initially expected. 

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.

• You have a variant of COVID that doesn’t show up well on testing.

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 precautions to limit the spread. You should isolate at home if:

• You have a fever.

• Your symptoms are worsening or not improving.

• Your symptoms started less than 24 hours ago.

If isolation isn’t necessary, consider whether you’re still within the 5-day window where extra precautions are recommended, like: 

• Wearing a mask

• Practicing good hygiene

• Keeping your distance from others, especially people at high risk

When should you see a doctor for COVID infection?

There are different medical treatments for COVID. So, if your symptoms are causing problems, it’s worth talking with a healthcare professional. Keep in mind that treatment works best the sooner you start it. 

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 well-fitting mask if you need to get medical care for COVID. 

And contact your care team 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. Remember that COVID infection can get worse quickly. It’s best to get care before your symptoms become an emergency. 

If you’re not sure whether your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe, call your primary care provider or connect with an online doctor through GoodRx Care.

What should you do if your symptoms are mild?

If your symptoms are mild, follow the CDC guidelines for isolation and precautions. Most people with COVID infection have low-grade symptoms and don’t need medication or medical care. 

Remember that even if your symptoms are mild, a person who catches COVID from you could get very sick — especially if they have a weaker immune system. As always, wash your hands thoroughly and often. 

Caring for yourself at home

Beyond helping to stop the spread, you’re likely curious about how to take care of yourself when you have a mild COVID infection. Common symptoms, such as cough and fever, can be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) cold and flu medications. 

Rest, hydration, saltwater gargles, and other home remedies can help you manage your symptoms.

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. 

Why trust our experts?

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:

Alex Eastman, PhD, RN

Alex Eastman, PhD, RN, is a California-based registered nurse and staff medical editor at GoodRx, where he focuses on clinical updates and Latino health.

Reviewed by:

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP, has more than 15 years of experience as an attending pediatrician in a variety of clinical settings. She has worked in a large academic center in an urban city, a small community hospital, a private practice, and an urgent care clinic.

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