If You Have COVID-19

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Older woman wearing mask behind the glass of a window in isolation with COVID-19.

OLDER ADULTS:

Isolate

If you have COVID-19, it is important to isolate and get treatment as quickly as possible. If you have COVID-19, you can spread it to others, even if you do not have symptoms.

If you have tested positive (even without symptoms), follow CDC’s isolation recommendations. These recommendations include:

  • Staying home and away from others for at least 5 days (possibly more, depending on how the virus affects you).
  • Wearing a high-quality mask when indoors around others for a period of time.
COVID-19 Risks and Information for Older Adults
Protect Yourself and Others from Getting COVID-19
Sick or Think You Were Exposed to COVID-19

Get Treatment

Some vaccinated people, especially those aged 65 years or older or who have other risk factors for severe disease, may benefit from treatment if they get COVID-19.

Effective treatments are now widely available and free, and you may be eligible.

  • Contact your healthcare provider, health department, or community health center to learn about treatment options.
  • Don’t delay! Treatment must be started within a few days after you first develop symptoms to be effective.
  • If you don’t have timely access to a healthcare provider, check if a Test to Treat location is in your community. You can get tested, receive a prescription from a healthcare provider (either onsite or by telehealth), and have it filled all at one location.

You can learn more about COVID-19 treatments and medications.

More Information