If you have a confirmed diagnosis of a contagious illness such as COVID-19, your doctor will need to evaluate your specific case and make recommendations based on your condition. Discuss whether you can safely go home and, if so, whether you need to stay in isolation until you recover.  If your doctor thinks you are stable enough to go home, ask for detailed instructions on how to care for yourself during your isolation period. If a friend or family member will be caring for you, ask the doctor to share that information with them. Your doctor will send any confirmed lab test results to your local public health department. From there, the public health department will make recommendations about how long you need to stay in isolation. If you’re sick, it’s imperative that you stay home and rest as much as possible. This will help you recover faster and also protect others from catching your illness. Don’t go to school or work, and avoid taking public transit to visit the doctor if possible.  Always call ahead if you need to visit the hospital or your doctor’s office. Tell them about your diagnosis and describe any symptoms you’re currently experiencing. If you need supplies, have them delivered to your home if possible. Don’t go out shopping while you’re in isolation. If you can, keep to your own space inside the home and don’t allow pets, visitors, or family members inside. If possible, use your own bathroom instead of sharing one with other people in the home.  To avoid having to enter other areas of the home, ask family members or other caretakers to leave prepared meals or other supplies outside your door. Preferably, you should stay in a well-ventilated room with a window that you can open. If you’re too sick to care for yourself, put on a mask any time a caretaker has to be around you. You should also put on a mask if you have to leave your home (e.g., to visit your doctor’s office).  Have your caretakers wear masks when they’re around you, too. If you’re unable to get facemasks due to shortages in your area, cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or scarf instead. While you’re in isolation, keep your environment clean and take precautions so that you don’t pass your infection to others in your home. You can help keep your loved ones safe by:  Washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water, especially after you cough, sneeze, blow your nose, or go to the bathroom. Covering your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze. Disposing of used tissues immediately in a lined trash can. Not sharing personal items with others. This includes towels, medical supplies (such as thermometers and medicine cups), eating utensils and dishes, personal grooming products, and bed linens. Disinfecting surfaces and objects you frequently come into contact with, such as doorknobs, countertops, and toilet seats. While you’re in isolation, you or your caretaker(s) will need to monitor your condition closely. If you develop new symptoms, start feeling worse, or don’t see any signs of improvement after the expected period of recovery time, call your doctor right away. They can advise you about what to do next. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number. Let the dispatcher know about your diagnosis if possible so that the emergency medical personnel can take proper precautions. The length of your self-isolation will depend on your specific situation and symptoms. Even if you feel much better, don’t leave your home until your doctor says it’s safe. This will help protect both you and other people in your community. Your doctor may need to consult with your local public health department to determine the best timeline for your isolation.
अपने डॉक्टर से पूछें कि क्या आप घर लौट सकते हैं या आपको अस्पताल में भर्ती होने की आवश्यकता है: जब तक आपको मेडिकल केयर की आवश्यकता नहीं है, तब तक घर पर रहें: यदि आप किसी के साथ घर शेयर कर रहे हैं, तो जितना संभव हो अपने ही कमरे में रहें: यदि आपको अन्य लोगों से बातचीत करनी है तो मास्क पहनें: अपनी बीमारी को फैलने से रोकने के लिए प्रॉपर हाइजीन रखने की प्रैक्टिस करें: अपने डॉक्टर को तुरंत कॉल करें: आपके आइसोलेशन में रहने का समय निर्धारित करने के लिए अपने डॉक्टर से विचार विमर्श करें: