Tested Positive for COVID: What to Do Now
Last updated September 10, 2026.
If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home and away from others for at least 5 days. High-risk individuals can get antiviral medication within the first 5 days of symptoms to reduce severe illness. Most people recover at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter symptom relief.
Isolation: how long to stay home
Stay home for at least 5 days after your symptoms start, or after your positive test if you have no symptoms. Day 0 is the day symptoms began or the test date.
You can end isolation after day 5 if you have been fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine and your other symptoms are improving. If you still have a fever or symptoms are not getting better, stay home until they improve.
Wear a high-quality mask around others through day 10. Avoid people who are at high risk for severe COVID, especially during days 6 through 10.
Antiviral treatment: who qualifies and the 5-day window
Antiviral medications like Paxlovid can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death if started within 5 days of symptom onset. They work best when taken early.
You may qualify if you are at higher risk for severe COVID. This includes adults 65 and older, people with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease, those who are immunocompromised, pregnant individuals, and people with disabilities.
Contact your doctor, an urgent care center, or use a telehealth service as soon as you test positive. Many pharmacies also offer test-to-treat programs where a pharmacist can prescribe antivirals after a positive test. Do not wait to see if symptoms worsen. The 5-day window is firm.
At-home symptom care
Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever, body aches, and headache. Follow dosing instructions on the label.
A humidifier or steam from a hot shower can ease congestion and cough. Throat lozenges or warm liquids help with sore throat. Sleep with your head slightly elevated if you have nasal congestion.
Monitor your symptoms daily. Most people feel better within a week. If symptoms get worse after a few days of improvement, contact a doctor.
When to seek medical help
Call 911 or go to an emergency room if you have trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, or bluish lips or face.
Contact your doctor if you have a high fever that does not come down with medicine, difficulty breathing that is getting worse, dehydration, or symptoms that improve and then suddenly get worse.
If you do not have a regular doctor, visit an urgent care center, call a nurse hotline, or use a telehealth service. Community health centers see patients regardless of insurance or ability to pay.
Protecting others in your household
If possible, stay in a separate room and use a separate bathroom. If you must share spaces, wear a high-quality mask and keep windows open for ventilation.
Do not share dishes, cups, towels, or bedding. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Clean high-touch surfaces like doorknobs and light switches daily.
Household members should wear masks around you and test if they develop symptoms. They do not need to isolate unless they test positive or develop symptoms.
Cost and access to treatment
COVID-19 antivirals are available at no cost to patients through a federal program as of 2026, regardless of insurance status. Ask your provider or pharmacist about access.
At-home tests are sold at pharmacies for $10 to $25 per test. Some insurance plans cover them, and free tests are sometimes available through local health departments or community programs.
Telehealth visits for COVID-19 cost $40 to $80 without insurance. Urgent care visits run $100 to $200. Community health centers offer sliding-scale fees based on income. If cost is a concern, call 211 for local resources or search for a health center at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
Common questions
How long am I contagious after testing positive for COVID?
You are most contagious in the first 5 days after symptoms start or after a positive test if you have no symptoms. You can spread the virus for up to 10 days. Wear a mask around others from day 6 to day 10.
Can I get Paxlovid or other antivirals without seeing a doctor in person?
Yes. Telehealth providers can prescribe antivirals after a positive test. Many pharmacies also have test-to-treat programs where a pharmacist prescribes the medication on-site. You must start treatment within 5 days of symptom onset for it to be effective.
Do I need to isolate if I test positive but feel fine?
Yes. Stay home for at least 5 days even if you have no symptoms. You can still spread the virus to others. After 5 days, wear a mask around people through day 10.
What if my symptoms get worse after I start feeling better?
Contact your doctor. Worsening symptoms after initial improvement can be a sign of a secondary infection or complication. Seek emergency care if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, or bluish lips.
Do I need to test negative before ending isolation?
No. You do not need a negative test to end isolation. You can stop isolating after 5 days if you are fever-free for 24 hours without medicine and other symptoms are improving. Continue wearing a mask around others through day 10.
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Pymander is not a replacement for a physician and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.