COVID-19 Treatment Information for Patients

Before You Are Exposed to COVID-19

No matter how careful you are, it is possible that you will be exposed to COVID-19. Because each person’s risk factors are different, it is important to be ready with a COVID-19 plan to help you if you become exposed (available in Spanish).

What should you do BEFORE you are exposed to COVID 19?

Know Your Risk
Talk with your health care provider to understand your risk of having more serious symptoms of COVID-19.

Stay Up-to-Date with Vaccinations
Vaccines are the best way to prevent a serious COVID-19 infection.

Learn How to Protect Yourself and Others
There are several actions you can take to help lower your risk of getting COVID-19, like improving ventilation. For more details visit the CDC page about COVID-19 Prevention Actions.

Develop a Personal COVID-19 Plan
Here is a detailed example of a personal COVID-19 Plan from the CDC.

If You Are Exposed to COVID-19

Once you may have become exposed to COVID-19, take these steps to reduce risk to yourself and your loved ones.

What should I do NOW if I think I have COVID‑19 or have been exposed to COVID‑19?

Test
Test right away if you have COVID‑19 symptoms or think you have been exposed. Learn more about testing.

Isolate
Separate yourself from others as much as possible to avoid spreading COVID‑19. Learn more about isolation.

Wear a Mask
When you need to be around others at home or in public, wear a close-fitting mask.

Talk to Your Doctor or Health Care Professional
If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or you think you have COVID-19, talk to your doctor or health care professional. Treatment must be started within days after you first develop symptoms to be effective. If you do not have a doctor or health care professional, the Test to Treat program can help you get tested and receive treatment if it is appropriate.

If you become infected with COVID-19, there are treatment options that may help reduce how sick you become. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized and approved treatments that have already been taken by millions of people, reducing their risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms and keeping many of them out of the hospital.