If You Are Sick or Think You Were Exposed to COVID-19
OLDER ADULTS:
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, get tested and stay home until you have your results
- If you are unsure whether you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, use the coronavirus self-checker to help you decide.
- If you test positive.
If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19, you may have been infected with the virus
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for what to do if you were exposed. This includes:
- Wearing a high-quality mask when indoors around others (including inside your home) for 10 days.
- Testing.
- Monitoring yourself for symptoms.
If you have a medical emergency, do not delay seeking emergency care.
Fever Temperatures in Older Adults
In older adults, normal body temperatures can be lower than in younger adults. For this reason, fever temperatures can also be lower.
If you are aged 65 or older, be aware that any of the following may be a sign of infection:
- A single temperature reading higher than 100°F (37.8°C), or
- More than one reading above 99°F (37.2°C), or
- A rise in temperature of more than 2°F (1.1°C) above your normal temperature.
More Information
- People with Certain Medical Conditions
- Factors That Affect Your Risk of Getting Very Sick from COVID-19
- Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination
- COVID-19 Test to Treat Locator
- Eldercare Locator or call 1-800-677-1116. A nationwide service that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources from the U.S. Administration on Aging.