This is how to take care of yourself if you met someone with Corona Virus:
Coronavirus cases are increasing at an alarming rate, people have gradually started stepping out of the houses and adapting the new normal. As we go out, it is more likely to come across a COVID-19 positive person or contract the disease. Wondering what to do in this case? What to do if you come to know that a person you met a week ago has tested positive for COVID-19? How to make sure that you are safe?
Incubation period?
Considering the long incubation period of this disease, which ranges between 1 to 12 days, it can be a very panicky state to be in. At the same time, a minor sore throat can make us worried and anxious. So, should you be worried about being exposed to the coronavirus, if it has been more than 7 days? Let us tell you.
The more people you come in contact with, the more likely you are to come in contact with someone who is infected with the disease. As per CDC, a close contact would mean you have been within 6 feet of someone with COVID-19 for 15 minutes or more. should be noted that it is irrespective of whether the infected person or the contact was wearing a mask or not.
What to do next?
Once you know that you have been in close contact with an infected person, the first thing should be to isolate yourself at home. Even if it has been 7 days since you met the person who has just tested positive it is needed that you completely cut down your interactions with the outsiders and limit your interactions with the household members for 1 more week. Avoid any contact with people at higher risk of illness from COVID-19.
Look for symptoms:
This is the time you need to be careful about the symptoms as coronavirus can manifest in a lot of different ways. Look out for any sign which feels unordinary like a headache that you never really get, loss of smell and taste, dry cough, fever, or exhaustion. According to the CDC, if you have come in close contact with a COVID-19 positive person, you should check your temperature twice a day, until 14 days after the last exposure. If you have some symptoms then talk to your medical care provider. Be careful while going to the doctor.
Should you get tested:
If you develop any symptoms between 5 to 7 days of meeting that person then you must get yourself tested. In case, you do not feel sick but just want to confirm whether or not you have contracted the illness, you can get tested too.
Since symptoms may develop between 2 days to 14 days following the exposure of the virus, it is also advisable to inform others you may have come in contact within the last 7 days.
Also take steam inhalation twice a day to make sure the virus doesn’t affect your lungs.
