What to do if you test positive for COVID-19
Learn more about what you can do if you test positive for COVID-19.
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Key takeaways
- After testing positive for COVID-19, early action is key. Staying away from others and speaking with a healthcare provider are important first steps.
- COVID-19 symptoms can vary widely, but possible signs include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
- Most people begin showing symptoms within 2 to 14 days of exposure, and staying home and away from others is recommended until, for at least 24 hours, your symptoms improve and you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
- Even mild or no symptoms can still lead to transmission or worsening illness.
- Certain groups—such as people aged 50 and older, those with certain underlying medical conditions, individuals from some racial and ethnic minority groups, and people who are not up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations—are at higher risk for developing severe COVID-19.
You tested positive for COVID-19. Now what?
Testing positive for COVID-19 can bring a wave of questions: What should I do now? How serious is this? Do I need treatment?
Even if symptoms are mild or haven’t started yet, it’s important to take steps right away to help reduce the risk of spreading the virus and to understand your options for care.
First steps to take
As soon as you test positive for COVID-19, it’s important to act quickly. Even if you feel normal or only have mild symptoms, you can still spread the virus to others—and your condition could change in the days ahead.
Here’s what you should do first:
- Stay home and away from others. The CDC recommends staying away from others until, for at least 24 hours, symptoms get better and you do not have a fever and are not taking fever-reducing medicine. Stay in a separate room and use a separate bathroom if possible to help avoid contact with others in your household. Reach out to a healthcare provider.
- Don’t wait for symptoms to appear or worsen. Early conversations can help determine whether treatment is appropriate for you. To prepare for this conversation, download the Doctor Discussion Guide and then read about what to ask your healthcare provider if you have COVID-19.
What COVID-19 symptoms could look like
COVID-19 symptoms can vary widely. Some people experience nothing more than a sore throat or fatigue, while others develop more serious symptoms like shortness of breath or bluish lips, skin, or nail beds. Most symptoms begin within 2 to 14 days of exposure.
Possible symptoms may include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- New loss of taste or smell
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Keep in mind that symptoms may change with new COVID-19 variants and can vary depending on vaccination status.
The CDC recommends staying home and away from others if you test positive. When, for at least 24 hours, your symptoms are getting better and you haven’t had a fever (without using fever-reducing medication) you can return to your normal activities.
As you get back to your normal activities, you can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by taking added precaution over the next 5 days. Your healthcare provider may suggest additional steps for practicing good hygiene, improving air quality (bringing in fresh outside air or purifying indoor air), wearing a well-fitting mask, physical distancing, and/or testing when you plan to be around other people indoors.
Some people may experience lingering symptoms for weeks or months after infection, a condition known as long COVID. A healthcare provider can help evaluate ongoing symptoms and recommend next steps.
Are you at higher risk for severe COVID-19?
While some people experience only mild symptoms, others are more likely to develop serious complications from COVID-19. If you fall into one of the following groups, it’s especially important to act quickly and talk to a healthcare provider if you test positive for COVID-19:
- Adults aged 50 and older
- People with certain underlying medical conditions (see CDC’s full list)
- Individuals from some racial and ethnic minority groups, who may face increased risk due to systemic factors like limited access to healthcare and socioeconomic challenges
- People who are unvaccinated or not up to date on COVID-19 vaccination
Take a risk assessment to find out if you could be eligible for prescription treatment options .
COVID-19 symptoms can vary, but may include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
COVID-19 treatment options
Prescription medications may be available for those who are at high risk, but must be taken within the first 5-7 days of experiencing symptoms. A healthcare provider can determine whether treatment is appropriate based on your age, risk factor, health history, and current symptoms.
If you don’t have a regular doctor, you can contact your local pharmacy, community health center, or health department. PfizerForAll can also help connect you with telehealth providers who can guide you through your care options and access treatment if needed.
Working with a healthcare provider
A healthcare provider can help assess your symptoms, determine whether treatment is appropriate, and guide you through the best course of action based on your individual health needs.
Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting or stopping any medications. If your symptoms change, contact your provider again to assess your care. And if you experience emergency warning signs, such as difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, or lips, nail beds, or skin that appears pale, gray, or blue (depending on the skin tone), seek immediate medical attention.
Tested positive for COVID-19? Early action matters
Finding out you have COVID-19 can be a lot to process, but taking early action can make a difference, especially if you’re at higher risk for severe illness. If you get a positive COVID-19 test, stay at home and away from others, monitor your symptoms, and reach out to a healthcare provider for personalized guidance. If you are at high risk, acting early can help you reduce the chance of developing serious illness.
Frequently asked questions
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References
Infection Control Guidance: Respiratory Viruses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. May 21, 2025. Accessed August 29, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/project-firstline/hcp/infection-control/index.html
Long COVID Basics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. July 24, 2025. Accessed August 1, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/long-covid/about/index.html
People with Certain Medical Conditions and COVID-19 Risk Factors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. June 11, 2025. Accessed August 1, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors/index.html
Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You're Sick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. August 18, 2025. Accessed August 28, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html
Symptoms of COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. March 10, 2025. Accessed August 1, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/signs-symptoms/index.html
Types of COVID-19 Treatment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. May 8, 2025. Accessed August 1, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/treatment/index.html
Underlying Conditions and the Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 6, 2025. Accessed August 1, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/underlying-conditions.html