What to do if you test positive for COVID
When I tested positive for COVID in September '21, a lot of people helped me with information for what to do. It was pretty overwhelming especially when you're already stressed out about what might happen. I also know that there's too much information out there or things are behind paywalls, so I figured I'd go ahead and post the document put together at that time in case it might help you or someone you know out.
The first part is about what UAB/my employer's procedures are, the second are general guidelines to follow, the third is what to do for non-emergency situations, and the fourth is if you have an emergency situation or need treatment. I think this will still generally apply in the current situation, though I will update if anything changes.
UAB COVID procedure
Contact UAB Employee Health as soon as possible
Email: employeehealth@uabmc.edu
Phone: 205-934-3675
Fax: 205-975-6900
If get COVID test outside of UAB, email positive test results to UAB — employeehealth@uabmc.edu
Fill out exposure form on UAB one website — oneuabmedicine.org
Coronavirus section
Employee resources button
Fill out exposure form - https://survey.eyes.uab.edu/surveys/?s=PDANTNJCH3
Employee Health will contact you after you fill out the form.
UAB will contact you daily to monitor your symptoms.
10 days from onset of symptoms, the goal is to get you back in the office.
Example: If you receive a positive test notification and it was on 9/21, the tentative cleared back-to-work date would be 9/30.
If symptoms continue or don’t get better, the back-to-work date will get pushed back.
Further testing may need to be conducted.
Guidelines to follow after a positive test
Quarantine for 5 days from onset of symptoms (depending on your job or local recommendations). After 5 days, if you have no symptoms or your symptoms are reducing, you can leave your house but wear a mask for at least 5 more days.
Because of antibodies, if you’re due for a COVID shot, wait at least 3 months to get it.
Furthermore, if you get the monoclonal antibodies, you will need to wait 3 months to get a flu vaccine.
For non-emergency situations
If feeling generally ok, treat the symptoms. This means:
Stay hydrated
For fever — Tylenol or Ibuprofen
For runny or stuffy nose/sore throat – antihistamines such as Benadryl at night, Mucinex twice a day with a big glass of water.
Maintain healthy diet with adequate intake of vitamins/minerals
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Zinc
Treatments (As Needed)
If you know you’ve been exposed or think you have been exposed, get tested within 3-5 days.
Go to ER if:
If you’re experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, the worst headache of your life, syncope, or other acute changes.
If you have a device to monitor oxygen at home, use that and go to ER or call 911 if oxygen drops below 90 and you’re actively short of breath. If it’s between 90-94, call your provider for further instructions.
If eligible, get monoclonal antibodies treatment (eligibility and options will vary based on location/state).
Eligibility depends on state guidance, but generally people in these groups are eligible: >65 years of age, obesity, pregnant, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease or hypertension, chronic lung disease, immunosuppressive disease, sickle cell disease, or neurodevelopmental disorders.
There are several treatment options recommended by the CDC (link).