So you tested positive: NOW WHAT?

Heather Ainsley
ECB Publishing, Inc.

This article contains accounts of what individuals sick with COVID-19 used to help themselves while at home sick with COVID and should absolutely not be used in the place of licensed medical assistance or advice.

With the recent surge of COVID-19 cases all across America following the holidays, even the most careful citizens are at risk of catching the infamous virus. Especially with the emergence of the newer, highly contagious variant, Omicron, the likelihood of coming into contact with the virus and contracting it are significantly high. Amidst a mess of political agendas, medical misinformation and the high strain caused by the start of year three of this novice pandemic with no foreseeable end in sight, tensions regarding a positive test result are high. While opinions rage on various sides of the spectrum, it can be a tricky topic to discuss with your loved ones. It all feels very surreal.
But you've woken up with a sore throat, or experienced a persistent headache at work. Perhaps your allergies seemed to have flared up, or you have a mild fever. You go to your local testing site just to be safe, and you've tested positive. Now, all of the chaos of the last two years has come home to roost, and all the division, opinions and advice about how to not get the virus are moot. You've got the virus. What now?
The first thing you need to do is to remain calm, and wherever you stand on the COVID-19 opinion front, try not to overthink. Part of what makes this virus such a topic for disagreement is that it doesn't affect everyone the same way. People affected in the same household could have drastically different experiences while sick. One person could have a mild case of the sniffles and another could end up in the hospital. This means that both catastrophizing and dismissing your positive test result should be avoided. You're going to need to pay close attention to your symptoms and be proactive.
Once you are calm, and ready to be objective, it is time to get organized. Make a list of people you were in direct contact with who might be infected as well. As a courtesy, inform them of your positive result so they can be aware and make the best choices for their own health and family. Next, inform people who are relevant, such as family, loved ones or people you live with. Also, inform your job, and follow directions they give you about working from home, etc.
It is pretty likely that the people in your life will reach out to you throughout your sickness. While it may seem a little taxing when you are sick to reply to multiple messages each day asking you how you are feeling, try to understand that they are just checking in because they care about you. COVID-19 has, for some, gone very badly very quickly. While it may be a little tedious, consider at least a quick response so that they know you are okay. This part is 100 percent up to you, but can alleviate a lot of strain for your loved ones.
Have a plan for if your symptoms increase to life threatening levels. It can help to make someone close to you aware of what your wishes are and which hospital/doctor/medicine/treatments you prefer, if the need arises.
Finally, be prepared to ride it out. Once all the major factors have been considered and handled to your liking, the only thing left to do is to take care of yourself and manage your symptoms, which will vary from person to person. It is very likely that people will reach out to you about what helped them manage their comforts. Here are some experiences and advice on what members of the community and their families have shared with us.
These are purely accounts of what each individual used to help themselves while at home sick with COVID and should not be used instead of licensed medical assistance.

“During the week my family and I were home with Covid, we did multiple different things that helped us all feel better. We stayed hydrated, rested as much as we felt needed, took lots of vitamins and made sure to get up and move around a little bit each day. And most importantly, we did a lot of praying for Jesus to heal our bodies.” -Casey Hicks

“My tips would be to meditate, rest often, take quercetin and get Vitamin D from the sun or supplemented daily. Oregano oil broke my four day fever within an hour, so I recommend using it as a last resort in small quantities, and chicken broth is great when it's hard to eat regular food.” -Kim Kotschi

“What made me feel better when I had Covid was having lots of rest and pushing fluids. I tried not to overwork myself.” -Savannah Welch

“I had it back before they called it Covid, but the symptoms were all there. Two days in, it hit my chest all at once. Sleeping sitting up really helped me. Stay away from other people for at least 5 days, and just worry about healing.” -Richard Ainsley

“Stay hydrated, and take vitamins like Zinc, Vitamin C, Magnesium, and Vitamin D. I took Tylenol for fever and pain. Rest and let your body do what it needs to do. If you have a sore throat, honey and warm teas will help. I was also prescribed an inhaler at the walk-in center, and it was/is a huge help.” -Monica Ainsley

“Deep breath exercises. Moved around a lot, and laid on my stomach to sleep. Drink lots of fluids.” -Shelby Harrod O'Brien

“Watch your oxygen level!” -Howard Pepper

“I stayed home and managed my symptoms, paying attention to little changes each day, careful to watch for anything alarming. I was really exhausted, but I took turns resting, bundled in a blanket watching a movie with a cup of hot lemon tea, and being active, slowly busying myself to extremely mild gardening to get some fresh air and sunshine. When I got winded or tired, I rested.”
-Heather Ainsley

Whether you have severe symptoms or your sickness is mild, nobody wants COVID-19. Being sick is inconvenient and uncomfortable at best, and can be deeply concerning and life-threatening at worst. Sometimes, even the most careful precautions can not prevent someone from coming into contact with the virus, and once it has been contracted it is important to monitor your symptoms, communicate regularly, and make a plan for if your sickness gets worse. Beyond that, it's all about finding those creature comforts to make you feel a little more like you. Hang in there, Monticello. We hope you feel better soon!