Care for Respiratory Illnesses

This updated guidance applies to a range of respiratory viral illnesses, not just COVID-19. The updated guidance emphasizes the importance of staying home and away from others when sick, regardless of the virus, as well as additional preventive measures.

• When you are sick (fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, headache, body aches, diarrhea, sore throat, vomiting), stay home and away from others so you don’t get them sick.
• You can go back to your normal activities when your symptoms are getting better for at least 24 hours AND you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing meds) for at least 24 hours.
• When you return to your normal activities, take extra precautions over the next 5 days –practice physical distancing, avoid crowded areas, wear masks when around others, don’t share food/drink/cigarettes/vape pens, and avoid being around people who are medically fragile. You may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick, even if you are feeling better.
• If you develop a fever or start to feel worse after returning to normal activities, stay home and away from others until you once again are improving and are fever-free for at least 24 hours.
• Seek health care for testing and/or treatment if you are sick and have risk factors for severe illness.
• Stay up to date with immunizations.
• Practice good hygiene including frequent hand washing, covering your cough/sneezes.
• Practice self-care including exercising regularly, eating healthy foods, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep.