If someone in your house has COVID-19, you are at an increased risk of getting it. This is because COVID-19 can be spread through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
The risk of getting COVID-19 from someone in your house is highest in the first few days after they start showing symptoms. However, you can still get COVID-19 from someone who does not have any symptoms.
Here are some of the factors that can increase your risk of getting COVID-19 from someone in your house:
- Age: Older adults and people with underlying medical conditions are at an increased risk of getting COVID-19.
- Vaccination status: People who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 are at an increased risk of getting COVID-19.
- Proximity to the infected person: The closer you are to the infected person, the more likely you are to get COVID-19.
- Time spent with the infected person: The more time you spend with the infected person, the more likely you are to get COVID-19.
- Ventilation: If the house is not well-ventilated, the virus can linger in the air and increase the risk of transmission.
What can you do to reduce your risk of getting COVID-19 from someone in your house?
There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of getting COVID-19 from someone in your house, including:
- Isolate the infected person: If someone in your house tests positive for COVID-19, they should isolate themselves in a separate room, if possible. They should also avoid close contact with other people in the house.
- Wear a mask: Everyone in the house should wear a mask when they are in the same room as the infected person. This will help to prevent the spread of the virus.
- Wash your hands frequently: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important after using the bathroom, before eating, and after coming into contact with the infected person.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces: Clean and disinfect surfaces that the infected person has touched, such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.
- Get vaccinated and boosted: Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from COVID-19. If you are not vaccinated, you should get vaccinated as soon as possible. If you are vaccinated, you should get boosted to increase your protection against COVID-19.
What to do if you think you have COVID-19
If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat, you should get tested for COVID-19.
If you test positive for COVID-19, you should isolate yourself from other people for at least 5 days after your symptoms start. You should also monitor your symptoms and contact your doctor if you have any concerns.
Conclusion
If someone in your house has COVID-19, you are at an increased risk of getting it. However, there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk, such as isolating the infected person, wearing a mask, washing your hands frequently, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, and getting vaccinated and boosted. If you think you have COVID-19, you should get tested and isolate yourself from other people.
