How to care for your family if you test positive for COIVD-19

Make a household plan

If you recently got positive results back after being tested for coronavirus, the best thing you can do is stay calm, keep a level head and make a plan of action. Who will be the dedicated caregiver for you? Who will be the dedicated caregiver for the rest of the family? What resources are available to help?

Once your bases are covered for an action plan you’ll also want to check in on the emotional health of your family members, especially your children.  Outbreaks can cause anxiety and stress in anyone, so it’s important to know that your kids have a good understanding of what is happening, let them know that they are still safe and you have a household plan prepared. Encourage your children to voice their opinions on the news and ask questions. Keeping an open line of communication (safely) is key to making everyone at home more comfortable and reducing stress.

Keeping family safe

If you tested positive for COVID-19, the best way to care for your family and keep them protected from it is to keep your distance as much as possible (approximately six feet). The CDC recommends that an ill family member who tests positive in the home, stay secluded in a room away from everyone else to prevent spreading the illness. That individual should also maintain their seclusion by using a separate bathroom as well, and make sure everyone in the home is aware they should not come into physical contact with your space for their own safety.

Continuously ensure household surfaces are being properly cleaned and disinfected, especially the areas where you or any infected family member has been into contact. Do not share any utensils or hygiene items between either to reduce the spread of germs in the home. Click here to view the high-touch surfaces that should be disinfected daily in your home daily to keep your kids healthy.

As we all know, the coronavirus is highly contagious and is most commonly spread by droplets transferred to others when an infected person coughs or sneezes. If you must come in to contact with your family or others at some point in time the most recommended method of protection is a facemask at all times. Wearing a face mask is the next best option aside from isolation, as it will shield respiratory droplets.

It’s equally important to make sure other family members in the home are regularly monitored for coronavirus symptoms, as it’s key to catch this sooner than later. 

Schedule an appointment with your child’s doctor or advanced practitioner if they have:

• Shortness of breath
• Cough 
• Fever

Text (469) 382-3796 to schedule an appointment.

Discontinuing home isolation for positive or negative results. 

• Please remember to consult with your healthcare provider first before taking this action. Many factors can affect the final decision to discontinue home isolation. Patients should continue home isolation precautions until the risk of secondary transmission to others is determined to be low by a medical professional. The decision to discontinue home isolation precautions is made on a case-by-case basis, in discussion with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.

Know your options

• Just because you are limiting social contact doesn’t mean you can’t keep up with your loved ones. Phone or video chat is a great alternative to check in with family members and friends!