Caring for Someone Sick at Home
Protect yourself when caring for someone who is sick
Limit contact
COVID-19 spreads between people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet)
through respiratory droplets, created when someone talks, coughs or sneezes.

The caregiver , when possible, should not be someone who is at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Use a separate bedroom and bathroom. If possible, have the person who is sick stay in their own “sick room” or area and away from others. If possible, have the person who is sick use a separate bathroom.
Shared space: If you have to share space, make sure the room has good air flow.
Open the window and turn on a fan (if possible) to increase air circulation.
Improving ventilation helps remove respiratory droplets from the air.

Avoid having visitors. Avoid having any unnecessary visitors, especially visits by people who are at higher risk for severe illness.

Eat in separate rooms or areas

Stay separated: The person who is sick should eat (or be fed) in their room, if possible.
Wash dishes and utensils using gloves and hot water: Handle any dishes, cups/glasses, or silverware used by the person who is sick with gloves. Wash them with soap and hot water or in a dishwasher.
Clean hands after taking off gloves or handling used items.

Avoid sharing personal items

Do not share: Do not share dishes, cups/glasses, silverware, towels, bedding, or electronics (like a cell phone) with the person who is sick.

When to wear a cloth face cover or gloves

Sick person:

The person who is sick should wear a cloth face covering when they are around other people at home and out (including before they enter a doctor’s office).
The cloth face covering helps prevent a person who is sick from spreading the virus to others. It keeps respiratory droplets contained and from reaching other people.
Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is not able to remove the covering without help.

Caregiver:

Wear gloves when you touch or have contact with the sick person’s blood, stool, or body fluids, such as saliva, mucus, vomit, and urine. Throw out gloves into a lined trash can and wash hands right away.
The caregiver should ask the sick person to put on a cloth face covering before entering the room.
The caregiver may also wear a cloth face covering when caring for a person who is sick.
To prevent getting sick, make sure you practice everyday preventive actions: clean hands often; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands; and frequently clean and disinfect surfaces.

Note : During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical grade facemasks are reserved
for healthcare workers and some first responders. You may need to make a cloth
face covering using a scarf or bandana. Learn more
here.
Clean your hands often

Wash hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Tell everyone in the home to do the same, especially after being near the person who is sick.
Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Hands off: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Handwashing tips
Clean and then disinfect
Around the house

Clean and disinfect “high-touch” surfaces and items every day: This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks, and electronics.
Clean the area or item with soap and water if it is dirty. Then, use a household disinfectant.
Be sure to follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product. Many products recommend keeping the surface wet for several minutes to kill germs. Many also recommend wearing gloves, making sure you have good air flow, and wiping or rinsing off the product after use.
Most household disinfectants should be effective. A list of EPA-registered disinfectants can be found here .
To clean electronics , follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products. If those directions are not available, use alcohol-based wipes or spray containing at least 70% alcohol.
Learn morehere

Bedroom and Bathroom

If you are using a separate bedroom and bathroom : Only clean the area around the person who is sick when needed, such as when the area is soiled. This will help limit your contact with the sick person.
If they feel up to it, the person who is sick can clean their own space. Give the person who is sick personal cleaning supplies such as tissues, paper towels, cleaners, and EPA-registered disinfectants.

If sharing a bathroom : The person who is sick should clean and then disinfect after each use. If this is not possible, wear a mask and wait as long as possible after the sick person has used the bathroom before coming in to clean and use the bathroom.

Wash and dry laundry

Do not shake dirty laundry.
Wear disposable gloves while handling dirty laundry.
Dirty laundry from a person who is sick can be washed with other people’s items.
Wash items according to the label instructions. Use the warmest water setting you can.
Remove gloves, and wash hands right away.
Dry laundry, on hot if possible, completely.
Wash hands after putting clothes in the dryer.
Clean and disinfect clothes hampers. Wash hands afterwards.

Use lined trash can

Place used disposable gloves and other contaminated items in a lined trash can.
Use gloves when removing garbage bags, and handling and disposing of trash. Wash hands afterwards.
Place all used disposable gloves, facemasks, and other contaminated items in a lined trash can.
If possible, dedicate a lined trash can for the person who is sick.

Track your own health

Caregivers and close contacts should monitor their health for COVID-19 symptoms.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath but other symptoms may be present as well. Trouble breathing is a more serious warning sign that you need medical attention.

Use CDC’s self-checker tool to help you make decisions about seeking appropriate medical care.

If you are having trouble breathing, call 911.

Call your doctor or emergency room and tell them your symptoms before going in. They will tell you what to do.


Caring for Someone Sick at Home
How to discontinue home isolation
People with COVID-19 who have stayed home (home isolated) can leave home
under the following conditions**:

If they have not had a test to determine if they are still contagious, they can leave home after these three things have happened:

They have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers)
AND

other symptoms have improved (for example, symptoms of cough or shortness of breath have improved)
AND

at least 10 days have passed since their symptoms first appeared

If they have had a test to determine if they are still contagious, they can leave home after these three things have happened:

They no longer have a fever (without the use of medicine that reduces fevers)
AND

other symptoms have improved (for example, symptoms of cough or shortness of breath have improved)
AND

they have received two negative tests in a row, at least 24 hours apart. Their doctor will follow CDC guidelines.

People who DID NOT have COVID-19 symptoms, but tested positive and have
stayed home (home isolated) can leave home under the following conditions**:

If they have not had a test to determine if they are still contagious, they can leave home after these two things have happened:

At least 10 days have passed since the date of their first positive test
AND

they continue to have no symptoms (no cough or shortness of breath) since the test.

If they have had a test to determine if they are still contagious, they can leave home after:

They have received two negative tests in a row, at least 24 hours apart. Their doctor will follow CDC guidelines.

Note: if they develop symptoms, follow guidance above for people with COVID19
symptoms.
For ALL people

When leaving the home, keep a distance of 6 feet from others and wear a cloth face covering when around other people.

In all cases, follow the guidance of your doctor and local health
department.** The decision to stop home isolation should be made in
consultation with their healthcare provider and state and local health
departments. Some people, for example those with conditions that weaken their
immune system, might
continue to shed virus even after they recover.
Find more information on when to end home
isolation.


Quarantine and Isolation
How are quarantine and isolation similar?
Both quarantine and isolation:

involve separation of people to protect the public
help limit further spread of COVID-19
can be done voluntarily or be required by health authorities


Quarantine and Isolation
How do I know if I need to be in isolation or quarantine?
If you…
Steps to take…
If you…
If you live in a community where COVID-19 is or might be spreading (currently,
that is virtually everywhere in the United States)
Steps to take…
Watch Your Health
Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, orother
symptoms of
COVID-19.

Take your temperature if symptoms develop.
Practice social distancing. Maintain 6 feet of distance from others, and stay out of crowded places.
Follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop.

If you…
If you feel healthy but:

Recently had close contact with a person with COVID-19

Steps to take…
Stay Home and Monitor Your Health
(Quarantine)

Stay home until 14 days after your last exposure.
Check your temperature twice a day and watch for symptoms of COVID-19.
If possible, stay away from people who are at higher-risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.

If you…
If you:

Have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or
Are waiting for test results, or
Have cough, fever, or shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19

Steps to take…
Isolate Yourself from Others
(Isolation)

Stay home.
If you live with others, stay in a specific “sick room” or area and away from other people or animals, including pets. Use a separate bathroom, if available.
Read important information about caring for yourself or someone else who is sick, including when it’s safe to end home isolation.

If you…
If you:

Recently traveled from somewhere outside the United States or on a cruise ship or river boat

Steps to take…
Follow CDC Guidance for:

returning from international travel returning from cruise ship or river voyages


Households Living in Close Quarters
This guidance is intended for people living together in close quarters, such
as people who share a small apartment, or for people who live in the same
household with large or extended families.
Older adults (65 and older) and people of any age who have serious underlying
medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from coronavirus
disease 2019 (COVID-19). The following information is aimed to help you
protect those who are most vulnerable in your household.
Everyone should limit risks
If your household includes one or more vulnerable individuals then all
family members should act as if they, themselves, are at higher risk
.More information on steps and actions to take if at higher
risk.
Limit errands
Family members should leave only when absolutely necessary. Essential
errands include going to the grocery store, pharmacy, or medical
appointments that cannot be delayed (e.g., infants or individuals with serious
health conditions in need of aid).
If you must leave the house, please do the following:

Choose one or two family members who are not at a higher risk to run the essential errands.
Wear a cloth face covering, avoid crowds, practice social distancing, and follow these recommended tips for running errands.

Don’t use public transportation, such as the train or bus, during this period if possible.
If you must use public transportation:

Maintain a 6-foot distance from other passengers as much as possible.
Avoid touching high-touch surfaces such as handrails, and wash hands or use hand sanitizers as soon as possible after leaving.
Don’t ride in a car with members of different households. If that’s not possible:
Limit close contact and create space between others in the vehicle.
Improve air flow in the car by opening the window or placing air conditioning on non-recirculation mode.
Wash your hands immediately after you return home.
Maintain as much physical distance as possible with those at higher risk in the home. For example, avoid hugging, kissing, or sharing food or drinks.

Vulnerable members should avoid caring for children and those who are sick
Adults 65 years and older and people who have serious medical conditions
should avoid caring for the children in their household, if possible. If people at
higher risk must care for the children in their household, the children in
their care should not have contact with individuals outside the household.
Members of the household who are at high risk should also avoid taking care of
sick people of any age who are sick.
Separate a household member who is sick
Provide a separate bedroom and bathroom for the person who is sick, if
possible. If you cannot provide a separate room and bathroom, try to separate
them from other household members as much as possible. Keep people at higher
risk separated from anyone who is sick.

If possible, have only one person in the household take care of the person who is sick. This caregiver should be someone who is not at higher risk for severe illness and should minimize contact with other people in the household.
Identify a different caregiver for other members of the household who require help with cleaning, bathing, or other daily tasks.

If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other family or household members.

If you need to share a bedroom with someone who is sick, make sure the room has good air flow.

Open the window and turn on a fan to bring in and circulate fresh air if possible.

Maintain at least 6 feet between beds if possible.
Sleep head to toe.
Put a curtain around or place other physical divider (e.g., shower curtain, room screen divider, large cardboard poster board, quilt, or large bedspread) to separate the ill person’s bed.

If you need to share a bathroom with someone who is sick, the person who is sick should clean and disinfect the frequently touched surfaces in the bathroom after each use. If this is not possible, the person who does the cleaning should:

Open outside doors and windows before entering and use ventilating fans to increase air circulation in the area.
Wait as long as possible before entering the room to clean and disinfect or to use the bathroom.

If you are sick, do not help prepare food. Also, eat separately from the family.


Living in Shared Housing
People at-risk

Keep up-to-date lists of medical conditions and medications, and periodically check to ensure you have a sufficient supply of your prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Contact your healthcare provider to ask about getting extra necessary medications to have on hand for a longer period of time, or to consider using a mail-order option for medications.
Be aware of serious symptoms of if you have underlying conditions, of COVID-19 symptoms, and know who to ask for help or when to call 911.
Extra steps to take if you are at-risk .


Living in Shared Housing
Know where to get information

Make sure you know how your facility is going to communicate COVID-19 information to you; email, websites, hotlines, automated text messaging, newsletters, and flyers to help communicate information on.


Living in Shared Housing
The facility

COVID-19 prevention supplies should be provided in common areas, such as soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol, tissues, trash baskets, and, if possible, cloth face coverings that are washed or discarded after each use.
Non-essential volunteers and visitors in shared areas should be limited or avoided.
Staff should avoid entering residents’ rooms or living quarters unless it is necessary. Staff should use virtual communications and check ins (phone or video chat), as appropriate.


Living in Shared Housing
Common spaces
Be flexible, rules may change in common areas. Maintain 6 feet of social
(physical) distance between yourself and everyone that you do
not live with. This may mean there will be alternatives to activities,
cancelled activities, or closed areas. If you see people in areas that are
small, like stairwells and elevators, consider going one at a time. Here are
some examples of how the rules in common spaces may change:
Shared kitchens, dining rooms, laundry rooms, bathrooms

Access should be available, but the number of people should be restricted so that everyone can stay at least 6 feet apart from one another.
People who are sick, their roommates, and those who have higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should eat or be fed in their room, if possible.
Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, or eating utensils. Non-disposable food service items used should be handled with gloves and washed with dish soap and hot water or in a dishwasher.
Guidelines for doing laundry such as washing instructions and handling of dirty laundry should be posted.
Sinks could be an infection source and should avoid placing toothbrushes directly on counter surfaces. Totes can be used for personal items so they do not touch the bathroom countertop.

Recreational areas such as activity rooms, exercise rooms, pools, and hot
tubs

Consider closing or restricting the number of people allowed in at one time to ensure everyone can stay at least 6 feet apart, except for essential activities only, such as water therapy.


Living in Shared Housing
If a resident has or thinks they have COVID-19
Administrators
Residents are not required to notify administrators if they think they may or
have a confirmed case of COVID-19. If administrators do receive information
that someone in your facility has COVID-19, they should work with the local
health department to notify
anyone in the building who may have been exposed (had close contact with the
sick person) while maintaining the confidentiality of the sick person as
required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, if applicable, the
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

If possible, designate a separate bathroom for residents with COVID-19 symptoms.

Consider reducing cleaning frequency in bedrooms and bathrooms dedicated to persons with COVID-19 symptoms to as-needed cleaning (e.g., soiled items and surfaces) to avoid unnecessary contact with the ill persons.

Full guidance for administrator guidance

Sick person and close contacts
The sick person, their roommates, and close contacts need to self-isolate –
limit their use of shared spaces as much as possible. They should:

Wear a cloth face covering when it is necessary to be in shared spaces.
Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
What to do if you are sick


Running Essential Errands
Shopping for food and other household essentials
Stay home if sick

Avoid shopping if you are sick or have symptoms of COVID-19, which include a fever, cough, or shortness of breath.

Order online or use curbside pickup

Order food and other items online for home delivery or curbside pickup (if possible).
Only visit the grocery store, or other stores selling household essentials, in person when you absolutely need to. This will limit your potential exposure to others and the virus that causes COVID-19.

Protect yourself while shopping

Stay at least 6 feet away from others while shopping and in lines.
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering when you have to go out in public.
When you do have to visit in person, go during hours when fewer people will be there (for example, early morning or late night).
If you are at higher risk for severe illness, find out if the store has special hours for people at higher risk. If they do, try to shop during those hours. People at higher risk for severe illness include adults 65 or older and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions.
Disinfect the shopping cart, use disinfecting wipes if available.
Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
If possible, use touchless payment (pay without touching money, a card, or a keypad). If you must handle money, a card, or use a keypad, use hand sanitizer right after paying.

Use hand sanitizer

After leaving the store, use hand sanitizer.

At home

When you get home, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Follow food safety guidelines: clean, separate, cook, chill. There is no evidence that food or food packaging play a significant role in spreading the virus in the United States.


Running Essential Errands
Accepting deliveries and takeout orders
Limit in person contact if possible

Pay online or on the phone when you order (if possible).
Accept deliveries without in-person contact whenever possible. Ask for deliveries to be left in a safe spot outside your house (such as your front porch or lobby), with no person-to-person interaction. Otherwise, stay at least 6 feet away from the delivery person.

Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after accepting deliveries or collecting
mail

After receiving your delivery or bringing home your takeout food, wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
After collecting mail from a post office or home mailbox, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.


Running Essential Errands
Banking
Bank online whenever possible

If you must visit the bank, use the drive-through ATM if one is available. Clean the ATM keyboard with a disinfecting wipe, if available, before you use it.
When you are done, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you get home.
FDIC: Receiving IRS Economic Impact Payments


Running Essential Errands
Getting gasoline
Use disinfecting wipes on handles or buttons before you touch them

Use disinfecting wipes on handles and buttons before you touch them (if available).
After fueling, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds when you get home or somewhere with soap and water.


Running Essential Errands
Going to the doctor or getting medicine
Talk to your doctor online, by phone, or e-mail

Use telemedicine, if available, or communicate with your doctor or nurse by phone or e-mail.
Talk to your doctor about rescheduling procedures that are not urgently needed.

If you must visit in-person, protect yourself and others

If you think you have COVID-19, notify the doctor or healthcare provider before your visit and follow their instructions.
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering when you have to go out in public.
Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Stay at least 6 feet away from others while inside and in lines.
When paying, use touchless payment methods if possible. If you cannot use touchless payment, sanitize your hands after paying with card, cash, or check. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you get home.

Limit in-person visits to the pharmacy

Plan to order and pick up all your prescriptions at the same time.
If possible, call prescription orders in ahead of time. Use drive-thru windows, curbside services (wait in your car until the prescription is ready), mail-order, or other delivery services. Do the same for pet medicine.
Check with your doctor and pharmacist to see if you can get a larger supply of your medicines so you do not have to visit the pharmacy as often.


Coping with Stress
Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations
How you respond to the outbreak can depend on your background, the things that
make you different from other people, and the community you live in.
People who may respond more strongly to the stress of a crisis include:

Older people and people with chronic diseases who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Children and teens.
People who are helping with the response to COVID-19, like doctors, other health care providers, and first responders.
People who have mental health conditions including problems with substance use.


Coping with Stress
Take care of yourself and your community
Taking care of yourself, your friends, and your family can help you cope with
stress. Helping others cope with their stress can also make your community
stronger.
Ways to cope with stress

Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories , including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
Take care of your body.
Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
Exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep.
Avoid alcohol and drugs.

Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

Know the facts to help reduce stress
Understanding the risk to yourself and people you care about can make an
outbreak less stressful.
Learn and share the facts about COVID-19 and help stop the spread of
rumors. When you
share accurate information about COVID-19, you can help make people feel less
stressed, make a connection with them, and help stop
stigma.
Take care of your mental health
Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily
activities for several days in a row.
People with preexisting mental health conditions should continue with
their treatment and be aware of new or worsening symptoms. Additional
information can be found at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster
Preparedness page.
Learn more about taking care of your emotional
health during a stressful
event like the COVID-19 outbreak.


Coping with Stress
For people at higher risk for serious illness
People at higher risk for severe illness, such as older adults, and people with
underlying health conditions are also at increased risk of stress due to
COVID-19. Special considerations include:

Older adults and people with disabilities are at increased risk for having mental health concerns, such as depression.
Mental health problems can present as physical complaints (such as headaches or stomachaches) or cognitive problems (such as having trouble concentrating).
Doctors may be more likely to miss mental health concerns among:
People with disabilities due to a focus on treating underlying health conditions, compared to people without disabilities.
Older adults because depression can be mistaken for a normal part of aging.

Common reactions to COVID-19

Concern about protecting oneself from the virus because they are at higher risk of serious illness.
Concern that regular medical care or community services may be disrupted due to facility closures or reductions in services and public transport closure.
Feeling socially isolated , especially if they live alone or are in a community setting that is not allowing visitors because of the outbreak.
Guilt if loved ones help them with activities of daily living.
Increased levels of distress if they:
Have mental health concerns before the outbreak, such as depression.
Live in lower-income households or have language barriers.
Experience stigma because of age, race or ethnicity, disability, or perceived likelihood of spreading COVID-19.

Support your loved ones
Check in with your loved ones often. Virtual communication can help you
and your loved ones feel less lonely and isolated. Consider connecting with
loved ones by:

Telephone.
Email.
Mailing letters or cards.
Text messages.
Video chat.
Social media.

Help keep your loved ones safe.

Know what medications your loved one is taking. Try to help them have a 4-week supply of prescription and over the counter medications, and see if you can help them have extra on hand.
Monitor other medical supplies (oxygen, incontinence, dialysis, wound care) needed and create a back-up plan.
Stock up on non-perishable food (canned foods, dried beans, pasta) to have on hand in your home to minimize trips to stores.
If you care for a loved one living in a care facility, monitor the situation and speak with facility administrators or staff over the phone. Ask about the health of the other residents frequently and know the protocol if there is an outbreak.

Take care of your own emotional health. Caring for a loved one can take an
emotional toll, especially during an outbreak like COVID-19. There are ways to
support yourself.
Stay home if you are sick. Do not visit family or friends who are at
greater risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Use virtual communication to
keep in touch to support your loved one and keep them safe.
What health care providers can do

Help connect people with family and loved ones to help lower distress and feelings of social isolation.
Let older adults and people with disabilities know it is common for people to feel distressed during a crisis. Remind them that asking for and accepting help is a sign of strength.
Have a procedure and referrals ready for anyone who shows severe distress or expresses a desire to hurt him- or herself or someone else.
See SAMHSA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources and Information.

What communities can do
Community preparedness planning for COVID-19 should include older adults and
people with disabilities, and the organizations that support them in their
communities, to ensure their needs are taken into consideration.

Many of these individuals live in the community, and many depend on services and supports provided in their homes or in the community to maintain their health and independence.
Long-term care facilities should be vigilant to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19. See guidance for long-term care facilities and nursing homes.


Coping with Stress
For people coming out of quarantine
It can be stressful to be separated from others if a healthcare provider
thinks you may have been exposed to COVID-19, even if you do not get sick.
Everyone feels differently after coming out of quarantine.
Emotional reactions to coming out of quarantine may include:

Mixed emotions, including relief after quarantine.
Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones.
Stress from the experience of monitoring yourself or being monitored by others for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
Sadness, anger, or frustration because friends or loved ones have unfounded fears of contracting the disease from contact with you, even though you have been determined not to be contagious.
Guilt about not being able to perform normal work or parenting duties during quarantine.
Other emotional or mental health changes.

Children may also feel upset or have other strong emotions if they, or someone
they know, has been released from quarantine.


Coping with Stress
For responders
Responding to COVID-19 can take an emotional toll on you, and you may
experience secondary traumatic stress. Secondary traumatic stress is stress
reactions and symptoms resulting from exposure to another individual’s
traumatic experiences, rather than from exposure directly to a traumatic
event.
There are things you can do to reduce secondary traumatic stress reactions:

Acknowledge that secondary traumatic stress can impact anyone helping families after a traumatic event.
Learn the symptoms including physical (fatigue, illness) and mental (fear, withdrawal, guilt).
Allow time for you and your family to recover from responding to the pandemic.
Create a menu of personal self-care activities that you enjoy, such as spending time with friends and family, exercising, or reading a book.
Take a break from media coverage of COVID-19.
Ask for help if you feel overwhelmed or concerned that COVID-19 is affecting your ability to care for your family and patients as you did before the outbreak.

Learn more tips for taking care of
yourself during emergency
response.
Get more information about stress management for first responders from the
Disaster Technical Assistance Center (SAMHSA).


Helping Children Cope
Watch for behavior changes in your child
Not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way. Some common
changes to watch for include:

Excessive crying or irritation in younger children.
Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting).
Excessive worry or sadness.
Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits.
Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens.
Poor school performance or avoiding school.
Difficulty with attention and concentration.
Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past.
Unexplained headaches or body pain.
Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.


Helping Children Cope
Ways to support your child

Talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak.
Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand.
Reassure your child or teen that they are safe. Let them know it is ok if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.
Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
Try to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.
Be a role model. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members.

Learn more about caring for children during the COVID-19 outbreak and helping
children cope with
emergencies.


Reducing Stigma
Communicators and public health officials can help counter stigma during
the COVID-19 response.

Maintain privacy and confidentiality of those seeking healthcare and those who may be part of any contact investigation.
Quickly communicate the risk or lack of risk from associations with products, people, and places.
Raise awareness about COVID-19 without increasing fear.
Share accurate information about how the virus spreads.
Speak out against negative behaviors, including negative statements on social media about groups of people, or exclusion of people who pose no risk from regular activities.
Be cautious about the images that are shared. Make sure they do not reinforce stereotypes.
Engage with stigmatized groups in person and through media channels including news media and social media.
Thank healthcare workers and responders. People who have traveled to areas where the COVID-19 outbreak is happening to help have performed a valuable service to everyone by helping make sure this disease does not spread further.
Share the need for social support for people who have returned from China or are worried about friends or relatives in the affected region.


For Parents: Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19
How doctors will care for your child
Doctors may do certain tests to look for inflammation or other signs of
disease. These tests might include:

Blood tests
Chest x-ray
Heart ultrasound (echocardiogram)
Abdominal ultrasound

Doctors may provide supportive care for symptoms (medicine and/or fluids to
make your child feel better) and may use various medicines to treat
inflammation. Most children who become ill with MIS-C will need to be treated
in the hospital. Some will need to be treated in the pediatric intensive care
unit (ICU).
Parents or caregivers who have concerns about their child’s health, including
concerns about COVID-19 or MIS-C, should call a pediatrician or other
healthcare provider immediately. Healthcare providers can follow CDC
recommendations to
keep children and their parents or caregivers safe if an in-person visit is
needed.


For Parents: Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19
What we don’t know about MIS-C
CDC is still learning about MIS-C and how it affects children, so we don’t
know why some children have gotten sick with MIS-C and others have not. We
also do not know if children with certain health conditions are more likely to
get MIS-C. These are among the many questions CDC is working to try to
understand.
All CDC recommendations are based on the best data and science available at
the time, and we will update them as we learn more.


For Parents: Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19
What CDC is doing to learn more
CDC has a team dedicated to investigate MIS-C and gather and communicate
information quickly to healthcare providers, parents and caregivers, as well
as state and local health departments. The team is working with U.S. and
international scientists, healthcare providers, and other partners to learn
more about this new syndrome. They are learning about how often it happens and
who is likely to get it, creating a system to track cases, and providing
guidance to parents and healthcare providers.
Some of the specific actions CDC has taken:

Released a Health Advisory on May 14, 2020, through the Health Alert Network. In this advisory, CDC alerted healthcare providers about MIS-C, issued the case definition that it developed with the Council of State, Tribal, and Territorial Epidemiologists, and recommended that healthcare providers report suspected cases of MIS-C to local, state, or territorial health departments. The information the clinicians and health departments provide will help us understand this new condition and how common it is.
Collaborated with public health agencies around the world to share information and knowledge about cases of MIS-C in other countries.
Sent a field team to New York, the first state to report cases of MIS-C, to help health officials investigate the cases.
Set up a method for state and local health departments to report cases of MIS-C .
Asked clinical research and surveillance networks at children’s hospitals that we work with to collect data on cases of MIS-C.
Began communicating information about what we know, what we don’t know, and what we are doing to learn more to support healthcare providers, parents, and caregivers.
Collaborated with other federal agencies, clinical, and professional societies.


Keep Children Healthy during the COVID-19 Outbreak
Watch your child for any signs of COVID-19 illness
COVID-19 can look different in different people. For many people, being sick
with COVID-19 would be a little bit like having the flu. People can get a
fever, cough, or have a hard time taking deep breaths. Most people who have
gotten COVID-19 have not gotten very sick. Only a small group of people who
get it have had more serious problems.
CDC and partners are investigating cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome
in children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19. Learn more about COVID-19 and
multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children
(MIS-C).


Keep Children Healthy during the COVID-19 Outbreak
Keep children healthy
Teach and reinforce everyday preventive actions

Parents and caretakers play an important role in teaching children to wash their hands. Explain that hand washing can keep them healthy and stop the virus from spreading to others.
Be a good role model—if you wash your hands often, they’re more likely to do the same.
Make handwashing a family activity.
Learn more about what you can do to protect children.

Help your child stay active

Encourage your child to play outdoors—it’s great for physical and mental health. Take a walk with your child or go on a bike ride.
Use indoor activity breaks (like stretch breaks or dance breaks) throughout the day to help your child stay healthy and focused.

Help your child stay socially connected

Reach out to friends and family via phone or video chats.
Write cards or letters to family members they may not be able to visit.
Some schools and non-profits, such as the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning and The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, have resources for social and emotional learning. Check to see if your school has tips and guidelines to help support social and emotional needs of your child.

Ask about school meal services
Check with your school on plans to continue meal services during the school
dismissal. Many schools are keeping school facilities open to allow families
to pick up meals or are providing grab-and-go meals at a central location.


Keep Children Healthy during the COVID-19 Outbreak
Help your child cope with stress
Watch for signs of stress or behavior changes
Not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way. Some common
changes to watch for include:

Excessive worry or sadness
Unhealthy eating habits
Unhealthy sleeping habits
Difficulty with attention and concentration

Support your child

Parents can find more information about supporting their children during a COVID-19 outbreak on CDC’s Stress and Coping page.
Talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak. Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand.
Learn more about common reactions that children may have and how you can help children cope with emergencies.


Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19 in Children
Watch your child for any signs of COVID-19 illness
COVID-19 can look different in different people. For many people, being sick
with COVID-19 would be a little bit like having the flu. People can get a
fever, cough, or have a hard time taking deep breaths. Most people who have
gotten COVID-19 have not gotten very sick. Only a small group of people who
get it have had more serious problems.
CDC and partners are investigating cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome
in children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19. Learn more about COVID-19 and
multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children
(MIS-C).


Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19 in Children
Take steps to protect children and others
Help stop the spread of COVID-19 by doing the same things everyone should do
to stay healthy. Teach your children to do the same.

Clean hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid people who are sick (coughing and sneezing).
Put distance between your children and other people outside of your home. Keep children at least 6 feet from other people.
Children 2 years and older should wear acloth face covering over their nose and mouth when in public settings where it’s difficult to practice social distancing. This is an additional public health measure people should take to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in addition to (not instead of) the other everyday preventive actions listed above.
Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas (like tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, and sinks).
Launder items including washable plush toys as needed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely. Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.

You can find additional information on preventing COVID-19 at How to Protect
Yourself and at Preventing COVID-19 Spread in
Communities.
Additional information on how COVID-19 is spread is available at How COVID-19
Spreads.


Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19 in Children
Limit time with other children
If children meet in groups, it can put everyone at risk. Children can pass
this virus onto others who may be at higher risk, including older adults and
people who have serious underlying medical
conditions.
Practice social distancing
The key to slowing the spread of COVID-19 is to limit contact as much as
possible. While school is out, children should not have in-person playdates
with children from other households. If children are playing outside their own
homes, it is essential that they remain 6 feet from anyone who is not in their
own household.
To help children maintain social connections while social distancing, help
your children have supervised phone calls or video chats with their friends.
Clean hands often
Make sure children practice everyday preventive
behaviors, such as washing their hands often with soap and water
for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important if you have been in a
public place.
Change travel plans
Revise travel plans if they included non-essential travel.


Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19 in Children
Limit time with people at highest risk of severe illness from COVID-19
Older adults and people who have serious underlying medical
conditions are at highest risk of severe illness
from COVID-19.

If others in your home are at particularly high risk for severe illness from COVID-19, consider extra precautions to separate your child from those people.
If you are unable to stay home with your child while school is out, carefully consider who might be best positioned to provide child care. If someone at higher risk for COVID-19 will be providing care (older adult, such as a grandparent or someone with a chronic medical condition), limit your children’s contact with other people.
Consider postponing visits or trip to see older family members and grandparents. Connect virtually or by writing letters and sending via mail.


Help Children Learn at Home
Create a flexible schedule and routine for learning at home

Have consistent bedtimes and get up at the same time, Monday through Friday.
Structure the day for learning, free time, healthy meals and snacks, and physical activity.
Allow flexibility in the schedule—it’s okay to adapt based on your day.


Help Children Learn at Home
Look for ways to make learning fun

Have hands-on activities, like puzzles, painting, drawing, and making things.
Independent play can also be used in place of structured learning. Encourage children to build a fort from sheets or practice counting by stacking blocks.
Practice handwriting and grammar by writing letters to family members. This is a great way to connect and limit face-to-face contact.
Start a journal with your child to document this time and discuss the shared experience.
Use audiobooks or see if your local library is hosting virtual or live-streamed reading events.


Help Children Learn at Home
Ask about school meal services
Check with your school on plans to continue meal services during the school
dismissal. Many schools are keeping school facilities open to allow families
to pick up meals or are providing grab-and-go meals at a central location.


Talking with children about Coronavirus Disease 2019
Tips for talking to children

Remain calm. Remember that children will react to both what you say and how you say it. They will pick up cues from the conversations you have with them and with others.
Reassure children that they are safe. Let them know it is okay if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.
Make yourself available to listen and to talk. Let children know they can come to you when they have questions.
Avoid language that might blame others and lead to stigma.
Pay attention to what children see or hear on television, radio, or online. Consider reducing the amount of screen time focused on COVID-19. Too much information on one topic can lead to anxiety.
Provide information that is truthful and appropriate for the age and developmental level of the child. Talk to children about how some stories on COVID-19 on the Internet and social media may be based on rumors and inaccurate information. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
Teach children everyday actions to reduce the spread of germs. Remind children to wash their hands frequently and stay away from people who are coughing or sneezing or sick. Also, remind them to cough or sneeze into a tissue or their elbow, then throw the tissue into the trash.
If school is open, discuss any new actions that may be taken at school to help protect children and school staff.


Talking with children about Coronavirus Disease 2019
Facts about COVID-19 to discuss with children
Try to keep information simple and remind them that health are working hard to
keep everyone safe and healthy.
What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is the short name for “coronavirus disease 2019.” It is a new virus. Scientists and doctors are still learning about it.
Recently, this virus has made a lot of people sick. Scientists and doctors are trying to learn more so they can help people who get sick.
Doctors and health experts are working hard to help people stay healthy.

What can I do so that I don’t get COVID-19?
You can practice healthy habits at home, school, and play to help protect against the
spread of COVID-19.
What happens if you get sick with COVID-19?

COVID-19 can look different in different people. For many people, being sick with COVID-19 would be a little bit like having the flu. People can get a fever, cough, or have a hard time taking deep breaths. Most people who have gotten COVID-19 have not gotten very sick. Only a small group of people who get it have had more serious problems.
If you do get sick, it doesn’t mean you have COVID-19. People can get sick from all kinds of germs. What’s important to remember is that if you do get sick, the adults at home will help get you any help that you need.

[1] Developed by the National Association of School Nurses and the National
Association of School Psychologists. Also available in Spanish [PDF – 5
pages]


Funeral Guidance for Individuals and Families
Grieving the loss of a loved one
Grief is a normal response to losing someone important to you. When a loved
one dies, it is important for friends and family to be able to share stories
and memories of the person and how they influenced their lives. Because of the
COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing, “stay at home orders,” and limits to
gatherings have affected the ability of friends and family to come together in
person and grieve in typical ways. This is true regardless of whether the
person’s death was due to COVID-19 or some other cause.
Fortunately, most people understand that hosting gatherings now could be
dangerous to those who would want to participate. Family and friends are
finding alternate ways to connect, support each other, and grieve after their
loss. They understand the need to possibly plan for additional memorial
services when COVID-19-related restrictions are lifted.
Take actions to help you cope with the loss of a loved one
Grief is a universal emotion, but no two people experience grief in exactly
the same way. Some actions you can take to help you cope with feelings of
grief while practicing social distancing and honoring your loved one include:

Invite people to call you, or host conference calls with family members and friends to stay connected.
Ask family and friends to share stories and pictures with you via phone, video chat, email, text message, photo sharing apps, social media, or mailed letters.
Create a virtual memory book, blog, or webpage to remember your loved one, and ask family and friends to contribute their memories and stories.
Coordinate a date and time for family and friends to honor your loved one by reciting a selected poem, spiritual reading, or prayer from within their own households. Some cultures practice a prolonged mourning period with multiple observances, so hosting virtual events now and in-person events later may be in keeping with these practices.
Seek spiritual support from faith-based organizations, including religious leaders and congregations, if applicable. People who are not part of a faith tradition or religious community can seek support from other trusted community leaders and friends.
Use grief counseling services, support groups, or hotlines, especially those that can be offered over the phone or online, or seek support from a mental healthcare provider.
Read books about grief and loss. If you have children, read age-appropriate books with them and talk with them about how they are feeling.
Take part in an activity that has significance to you and the loved one you have lost, such as planting flowers or a tree or preparing a favorite meal, in memory of your loved one.
Review additional information from CDC on loss and grief, and ways to cope with stress and anxiety.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the family and close friends of a person who
died of COVID-19 may experience stigma, such as people avoiding them or
rejecting them. Stigma hurts everyone by creating fear or anger toward other
people. Some people may avoid contact with you, your family members, and
friends when they would normally reach out to you. You can help stop stigma
related to COVID-19 by knowing the
facts and sharing them with extended family, friends, and others in your
community.
Practice social distancing while making funeral arrangements

Consider having virtual or phone meetings instead of in-person meetings with funeral home staff, cemetery staff, clergy or officiants, and others to plan funeral arrangements.
If you need to meet in person, follow everyday preventive actions to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, such as wearing a cloth face covering, social distancing, washing your hands often, and covering coughs and sneezes.
Do not attend in-person meetings if you are sick, might have been exposed to COVID-19, or have higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Discuss options for making changes to traditional funeral plans

Discuss your cultural or religious traditions and the funeral wishes of the deceased, if applicable, with family members and the people you are working with (funeral home staff, clergy, or officiants).
Identify any potential concerns and determine options to make changes to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Preserve traditional practices when it is possible to safely do so, and identify whether modified or new practices could satisfy the needs and values of you and your loved one.

Consider whether it would be acceptable to hold modified funeral arrangements by limiting attendance to a small number of immediate family members and friends shortly after the time of death. Consider holding additional memorial services in the future when social distancing guidelines are less restrictive.
When you are making decisions about who should attend, consider how emotionally difficult social distancing practices might be for attendees (such as keeping at least 6 feet apart and not hugging other attendees who do not live in their household).

Ask the people you are working with (funeral home staff, clergy, or officiant) about resources they may be able to provide, such as:
Virtual funeral services, visitations, and memorial tributes by online video streaming or recorded video. Consider potential issues with virtual attendees’ access to technology and high-speed internet, as well as how any technological difficulties during the service could impact the event.
Online guestbooks or memory books that invite people to share stories, notes of condolence, or photos.
Assistance with sharing details about the plan for funeral services and visitations with extended family and friends, including how to compassionately communicate any changes to traditional practices and the reasons they are necessary.


Funeral Guidance for Individuals and Families
Holding funeral services and visitations
Familial and cultural expectations might put pressure on you and others to
participate in or hold or schedule funeral services and visitations. During
the COVID-19 pandemic, those expectations may need to be relaxed to protect
the safety of those who would have participated. People continue to get
exposed to COVID-19 at funeral
services ; the people
giving it to others were not feeling sick at the time and did not know they
were carrying or spreading COVID-19.
Consider the following modifications to funeral services and visitations to
help prevent the spread of COVID-19. These modifications are recommended for
events held in any setting, including funeral homes, cemetery facilities,
places of worship, private homes, and other venues.
Limit the attendees to a small number of immediate family and close
friends

Follow the guidelines from state and local officials and state and local health departments.
Those who are sick, have a household member or other close contact who is sick, or are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should not attend in person.
Consider limiting the number of people from different areas of the country or any areas with significant spread of COVID-19.
Consider offering other ways for family and friends to participate, such as by phone or online (live or recorded).

Practice social distancing and everyday preventive actions

Consider holding services and gatherings in a large, well-ventilated area or outdoors, as circumstances and traditions allow.
Space out seating for attendees who do not live in the same household to at least six feet apart.
Attendees who do not live in the same household should stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) apart and wear a cloth face covering when interacting with people who do not live in their household.
People who have been living in the same household can comfort each other in typical ways such as hugging, holding hands, and sitting next to each other.
Attendees should nod, bow, or wave instead of holding or shaking hands, hugging, or kissing anyone who does not live in their household.
All attendees should follow everyday preventive actions to protect themselves and others from COVID-19, such as washing your hands often and covering coughs and sneezes.

Consider changing traditional rituals or practices
Discuss with the funeral home director, clergy or officiant, and your family
any potential changes that might be necessary to protect all of the
participants and attendees. Consider options for modified or new practices
that would be acceptable to you and your family and friends, such as:

Holding a graveside-only service.
Changing or removing funeral practices that involve close contact or sharing things among members of different households, such as:
Sharing a car or limousine ride between the church and cemetery.
Providing food and beverages for attendees after the service.

Changing religious rituals in consultation with clergy and other religious leaders.

If some traditions, such as certain religious rituals, sharing rides to the
gravesite, or having food and beverages, are considered essential to you and
your family and friends, consider modifying them.

Limit sharing of items, such as worship aids, prayer books, and other items shared or passed by clergy and attendees during religious rituals.
Group household members together inside the vehicle. Avoid having non-household members sharing vehicles to travel between locations during the services; if necessary, increase ventilation by opening windows or using the air conditioner on non-recirculating mode.
Have pre-packaged meal boxes or bags for each attendee instead of a buffet or family-style meal.

In some cultures, bringing food or gifts to grieving family members is an
important way to express care and concern. During the COVID-19 pandemic,
consider expressing care in ways that do not involve personal interactions.
Consider delivering food or gifts to grieving family members in ways that keep
people at least 6 feet apart, mailing care packages, or giving families gift
cards for food delivery services.
Avoid touching the deceased person’s body before preparation
There are many different cultural traditions involved in the bereavement
process, including some that involve touching the deceased person’s body
before preparation. Though we are still learning more about how COVID-19
spreads, it may be possible that you could get COVID-19 by touching the body
of a deceased person who had confirmed or suspected COVID-19 prior to the body
being prepared for viewing. After the body has been prepared for viewing,
there may be less of a chance of the virus spreading from certain types of
touching, such as holding the hand or hugging.
Take steps to protect yourself, such as:

Avoid touching, hugging, or kissing the body of a deceased person who had confirmed or suspected COVID-19 before and during body preparation, especially if you or a member of your household are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after any contact with the body. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Take precautions with rituals that involve touching the deceased person’s
body
If the deceased person had confirmed or suspected COVID-19, avoid kissing,
washing, or shrouding the body before, during, and after the body has been
prepared, if possible. Take precautions if participating in these activities
is part of important religious or cultural practices.

Work with your cultural and religious leaders and funeral home staff to identify how to reduce exposure as much as possible.
People at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and members of their household should not be involved in these activities.
People conducting these activities should wear disposable gloves (nitrile, latex, or rubber). Additional protective equipment may also be required, such as disposable and waterproof isolation gowns, face shields or goggles, and facemasks (e.g., if splashing of fluids is expected).
Following preparation of the body, safely remove gloves (and other protective equipment, if used) and throw them away. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Shower as soon as possible.
If you did not wear an isolation gown while preparing the body, wash your clothes in the warmest setting possible and dry them completely.

If removing personal possessions (such as wedding rings) from the body or casket, clean and disinfect the items and wash hands right away.

Guidance on funeral and burial services for American Indians and Alaska Natives

Guidance on if your family member died from COVID-19 while overseas
If the deceased person had confirmed or suspected COVID-19, follow CDC guidelines to clean and disinfect the home and any items that will be removed from the home


People Who Are at Higher Risk for Severe Illness
COVID-19 is a new disease and there is limited information regarding risk
factors for severe disease. Based on currently available information and
clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious
underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness
from COVID-19.
Based on what we know now, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19
are:

People 65 years and older
People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility

People of all ages with underlying medical conditions, particularly if not
well controlled, including:

People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
People who have serious heart conditions
People who are immunocompromised
Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications

People with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher)
People with diabetes
People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
People with liver disease

Older AdultsAt Risk For Severe IllnessPeople with Liver
Disease
People with AsthmaPeople with HIVPeople Who Are
Immunocompromised


Older Adults
Steps to Reduce Risk of Getting Sick
There are things you can do to reduce your risk of getting sick.

Stay home if possible.
Wash your hands often.
Keep space between yourself and others (stay 6 feet away, which is about two arm lengths).
What You Can Do
How to Protect Yourself

Symptoms
Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild symptoms to severe illness and death.
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. Watch for fever, cough, and
shortness of breath. Watch for symptoms.
Develop a Care Plan
A care plan summarizes your health conditions, medications, healthcare
providers, emergency contacts, and end-of-life care options (for example,
advance directives). Complete your care plan in consultation with your doctor,
and if needed, with help from a family member or home nurse aide.
A care plan can have benefits beyond the current pandemic. You can update your
care plan every year, or any time you have a change in your health or
medications. Care plans can help reduce emergency room visits and
hospitalizations, and improve overall medical management for people with a
chronic health condition, resulting in better quality of life.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, having a care plan is an important part of
emergency preparedness.

Guidance on how to develop your emergency preparedness care plan.
Download a fillable care plan form [5 pages]
Serious Illness Care Program COVID-19 Response Toolkit

Senior Living Facilities
People with loved ones in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other
types of senior living facilities may be understandably concerned about their
loved one’s risk of illness from COVID-19.
To protect these vulnerable friends and family members, CDC has advised that
long-term care facilities

restrict visitors,
regularly check healthcare workers and residents for fevers and symptoms, and
limit activities within the facility to keep residents safe.

Older Adults are at Higher Risk
See below for estimated percent of adults with confirmed COVID-19 reported in
the U.S: | Adults 65 – 84 | Adults 85+
---|---|---
Hospitalizations | 31-59% | 31-70%
Admission to intensive care | 11-31% | 6-29%
Deaths | 4-11% | 10-27%


People with Moderate to Severe Asthma
Risk of Severe Illness from COVID-19
People with moderate to severe asthma may be at higher risk of getting very
sick from COVID-19. COVID-19 can affect your respiratory tract (nose, throat,
lungs), cause an asthma attack, and possibly lead to pneumonia and acute
respiratory disease.


People with Moderate to Severe Asthma
Treatment
There is currently no specific treatment for or vaccine to prevent COVID-19.
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.


People with Moderate to Severe Asthma
Prepare for COVID-19

Stock up on supplies.
Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others.
When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick.
Clean your hands often by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid crowds and people who are sick.
Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.
If someone in your home is sick, have them stay away from the rest of the household to reduce the risk of spreading the virus in your home.
Avoid sharing personal household items such as cups and towels.


People with Moderate to Severe Asthma
Follow your Asthma Action Plan

Keep your asthma under control by following your asthma action plan.
Continue your current medications, including any inhalers with steroids in them (“steroids” is another word for corticosteroids).
Don’t stop any medications or change your asthma treatment plan without talking to your healthcare provider.
Discuss any concerns about your treatment with your healthcare provider.
Talk to your healthcare provider, insurer, and pharmacist about creating an emergency supply of prescription medications, such as asthma inhalers. Make sure that you have 30 days of non-prescription medications and supplies on hand too in case you need to stay home for a long time.
Know how to use your inhaler.
Avoid your asthma triggers.
As more cases of COVID-19 are discovered and our communities take action to combat the spread of disease, it is natural for some people to feel concerned or stressed. Strong emotions can trigger an asthma attack. Take steps to help yourself cope with stress and anxiety.

For information on administering asthma medication in schools, visit K-12
Schools and Child Care Programs.


People with Moderate to Severe Asthma
Clean and disinfect things you or your family touch frequently

If possible, have someone who doesn’t have asthma do the cleaning and disinfecting. When they use cleaning and disinfecting products, have them:
Make sure that people with asthma are not in the room.
Minimize use of disinfectants that can cause an asthma attack.
Open windows or doors and use a fan that blows air outdoors.
Clean and disinfect surfaces like phones, remotes, tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks daily.
Always follow the instructions on the product label.
Spray or pour spray products onto a cleaning cloth or paper towel instead of spraying the product directly onto the cleaning surface (if the product label allows).


If You Are Immunocompromised, Protect Yourself From COVID-19
Risk of Severe Illness from COVID- 19
People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of getting severely
sick from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. They may also remain
infectious for a longer period of time than others with COVID-19, but we
cannot confirm this until we learn more about this new virus.


If You Are Immunocompromised, Protect Yourself From COVID-19
Prevent COVID-19
If you are immunocompromised, the best way to prevent COVID-19 is to avoid
being exposed to this virus. For details, see CDC’s advice for what you can
do to prepare for COVID-19 and how to protect yourself and
others.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

Avoid leaving home as much as possible and practice social distancing.
If you must leave home, avoid other people as much as possible by practicing social distancing. Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet (2 meters) between you and people outside your household.
Avoid large gatherings or places where people congregate.
Have supplies, food, and medicine delivered to your home.

Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering when around others to protect other people in case you are infected, and ask others to do the same.
Remember, do NOT place cloth face coverings on children younger than 2 years old, anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cover without assistance.

Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.


If You Are Immunocompromised, Protect Yourself From COVID-19
Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Health

Continue your regular treatment plan. Don’t stop any medications or treatments without talking to your doctor.
Discuss any concerns about your treatment with your doctor.
Keep your regularly scheduled medical appointments.
Talk to your doctor about steps they are taking to reduce risk of exposure to COVID-19 in the office.
Use telehealth services whenever possible if recommended by your doctor.
Ensure that you are getting necessary tests prescribed by your doctor.
Seek urgent medical care if you are feeling unwell.

Talk to your doctor, insurer, and pharmacist about getting an emergency supply of prescription medications. Make sure you have at least 30 days of prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, and supplies on hand in case you need or want to stay home for several weeks. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to receive your medications by mail.
Take steps to care for your emotional health. Fear and anxiety about COVID-19 can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions. It is natural to feel concerned or stressed about COVID-19. Learn more about stress and coping with anxiety here. Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.
If you are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others:
Call 911 if you feel like you want to harm yourself or others
Visit the Disaster Distress Helpline, call 1-800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746
Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224
Visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call 1-800-273-8255 and TTY or text 1-800-799-4889


If You Are Immunocompromised, Protect Yourself From COVID-19
Treatment of COVID-19

At this time, there is no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment for COVID-19. There is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. Treatment is currently aimed at relieving symptoms, and for hospitalized patients, supporting vital organ function during severe illness.

Additional Information for Specific Conditions & Risk Factors
If you have cancer or have survived cancer
If you have cancer now or had cancer in the past, you might need to take
special steps to protect your health:

Chemotherapy is an important tool to treat cancer. Although some types of chemotherapy can weaken the immune system, cancer patients and survivors should continue to take their chemotherapy as directed by their doctor.
Do not change your cancer treatment plan without discussing it with your doctor.
Watch out for fever. Take your temperature any time you feel warm, flushed, chilled, very fatigued, or not well. Call your doctor right away if you have a temperature of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher.
Know the signs and symptoms of infection . Infection during the course of cancer treatment can be very serious. Call your doctor right away if you notice any of the signs and symptoms of an infection.

Find out from your doctor when your white blood cell count is likely to the be the lowest, since this is when you’re most at risk for infection.
If you have to go to the emergency room, tell the person checking you in that you are a cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy. Fever during chemotherapy treatment is a medical emergency and you should be seen quickly.

Discuss any concerns about your chemotherapy or other cancer treatments with your oncologist and primary healthcare provider.
Learn more about Types of Cancer, Risk Factors and Screening for Cancer and Preventing Infections while undergoing treatment for cancer.

If you have had a bone marrow transplant, solid organ transplant, or stem
cells for cancer treatment
If you take medications that weaken your immune system, called
immunosuppressant medications:

Do not change or stop taking medicines without talking to your doctor. Stopping or changing medicine can cause serious health problems.

If you were born with immune deficiencies
Some people are born with or develop immune deficiencies due to genetics.
Examples include common variable immune deficiency, selective IgA deficiency,
severe combined immunodeficiency, chronic granulomatous disease, and
complement deficiencies.

If you take medicines to help boost your immune system, do not change or stop them without talking to your doctor.

If you have HIV
The risk of serious illness from COVID-19 for people with HIV is not yet
known. If you have HIV and a low CD4 cell count or are not on HIV treatment,
you might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Do not change or stop taking medicines without talking to your doctor. Stopping or changing medicine can cause serious health problems.
For more details, see CDC’s Information about COVID for people with HIV.

If you are using oral or intravenous corticosteroids or other medicines
that lower your immune system’s response
Some medical conditions are treated with medications that can weaken the
immune system; these medicines are called immunosuppressants. Common medical
conditions that are sometimes treated with immunosuppressants include
rheumatoid arthritis,
lupus, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Do not change or stop taking medicines without talking to your doctor. Stopping or changing medicine can cause serious health problems.


People with Disabilities
Disability Groups and Risk
If you have one of the disability types listed below, you might be at
increased risk of becoming infected or having unrecognized illness. You should
discuss your risk of illness with your healthcare provider.

People who have limited mobility or who cannot avoid coming into close contact with others who may be infected, such as direct support providers and family members
People who have trouble understanding information or practicing preventive measures, such as hand washing and social distancing
People who may not be able to communicate symptoms of illness


People with Disabilities
Protect Yourself
If you or someone you care for are at higher
risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, take steps to prevent
getting sick. In
addition to practicing everyday preventive actions, people with disabilities
who have direct support providers can help protect themselves from respiratory
illness in the following ways:

Ask your direct support provider if they are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 or if they have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19
Tell your direct service provider to
Wash their hands when they enter your home and before and after touching you (e.g., dressing, bathing/showering, transferring, toileting, feeding), handling tissues, or when changing linens or doing laundry. Learn more about proper handwashing.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (e.g., counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, bedside tables), and equipment such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, oxygen tanks and tubing, communication boards and other assistive devices. Refer to CDC’s General Recommendations for Routine Cleaning and Disinfections of Households.


People with Disabilities
Prepare
There are some additional things people with disabilities can do to prepare
during the COVID-19 outbreak:

Plan what you will do if you or your direct support provider gets sick. Create a contact list of family, friends, neighbors and local service agencies that can provide support in case you or your direct support provider becomes ill or unavailable.
Plan at least two ways of communicating from home and work that can be used rapidly in an emergency (e.g., landline phone, cell phone, text-messaging, email). Write down this information and keep it with you.
Have enough household items and groceries so that you will be comfortable staying home for a few weeks, at least a 30-day supply of over the counter and prescription medicines and any medical equipment or supplies that you might need. Some health plans allow for a 90-day refill on prescription medications. Consider discussing this option with your healthcare provider. Make a photocopy of prescriptions, as this may help in obtaining medications in an emergency situation.


People with Disabilities
About COVID-19

Coronavirus disease is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is also possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. For more information go to CDC’s Fact Sheet- What you need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Risk of infection with COVID-19 is higher for people who are in close contact with someone known to have COVID-19, such as healthcare workers, direct support providers, and household members. Other people at higher risk for infection are those who live or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19.


People Experiencing Homelessness
How people experiencing homelessness can protect themselves
Many of the recommendations to prevent
COVID-19 may be
difficult for a person experiencing homelessness to do. Although it may not be
possible to avoid certain crowded locations (such as shelters), people who are
homeless should:

Try to avoid other crowded public settings and public transportation.
If possible, use take-away options for food.
Maintain a distance of 6 feet (about two arms’ length) from other people.
Wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as often as possible, and cover their coughs and sneezes.


People Experiencing Homelessness
If people experiencing homelessness have symptoms
Any person experiencing homelessness with symptoms consistent with COVID-19
 ( fever, cough, or
shortness of breath ) should alert their service providers (such as case
managers, shelter staff, and other care providers). These staff will help the
individual understand how to isolate themselves and identify options for
medical care as needed.


People Experiencing Homelessness
How to get tested for COVID-19
If they meet criteria for testing, people experiencing homelessness will
access COVID-19 testing through a healthcare provider.
Local public health and healthcare facilities need to determine the best
location for this testing in coordination with homeless healthcare clinics and
street medicine clinics.


People Experiencing Homelessness
Anyone sick with COVID-19 should stay isolated
Those with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should stay in a place where they
can best be isolated from other people to prevent spreading the infection.
Local health departments, housing authorities, homeless service systems, and
healthcare facilities should plan to identify locations to isolate those with
known or suspected COVID-19 until they meet the criteria to end
isolation.
Isolation housing could be units designated by local authorities or shelters
determined to have capacity to sufficiently isolate these people. If no other
options are available, homeless service providers should plan for how they can
help people isolate themselves while efforts are underway to provide
additional support.


People Experiencing Homelessness
Donations of food and clothing to homeless service providers
Homeless service providers can accept donations of food and clothing
during community spread of COVID-19, but general infection control
precautions should be taken. Request that donors not donate if they are
sick.

Set up donation drop-off points to encourage social distancing between shelter workers and those donating.
Launder donated clothing, sheets, towels, or other fabrics on high heat settings, and disinfect items that are nonporous, such as items made of plastic.
Food donations should be shelf-stable, and shelter staff should take usual food-related infection prevention precautions.


People Experiencing Homelessness
Symptom screening of clients at homeless shelters
Homeless shelters can screen clients for
symptoms of respiratory infections.
Clients who have symptoms may or may not have COVID-19. Make sure they have a
separate place they can safely stay within the shelter or at an alternate site
in coordination with local health authorities. An on-site nurse or other
clinical staff can help with clinical assessments.

Provide anyone who presents with symptoms with a cloth face covering.
Facilitate access to non-urgent medical care as needed.
Use standard facility procedures to determine whether a client needs immediate medical attention. Emergency signs include:
Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion or inability to arouse
Bluish lips or face

Notify the designated medical facility and personnel to transfer clients that
the client might have COVID-19.


People Experiencing Homelessness
Keeping open homeless shelters and encampments
Homeless shelters serve a critical function in our communities. Shelters
should stay open unless homeless service providers, health departments, and
housing authorities have determined together that a shelter needs to close.
Connecting people to stable housing should continue to be a priority.

However, if individual housing options are not available, allow people who are living in encampments to remain where they are.
Encourage people living in encampments to increase space between people and provide hygiene resources.


If You Are Pregnant, Breastfeeding, or Caring for Young Children
Cloth face coverings for children, parents, and other caregivers
CDC recommends that everyone 2 years and older wear a cloth face covering that
covers their nose and mouth when they are out in the community. B ecause
of the danger of suffocation, do NOT put cloth face coverings on babies or
children younger than 2 years****. Cloth face coverings should also not be
worn by anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, can’t move, or is
otherwise unable to remove the face covering without assistance.
Parents and other caregivers should keep in mind that wearing a cloth face
covering is not a substitute for social distancing, frequent hand washing, or
other everyday preventive actions – please wear your cloth face covering in
addition to practicing other prevention steps. A cloth face covering is not
intended to protect you, the wearer, but it may prevent you from spreading the
virus to others. This would be especially important if you are infected but do
not have symptoms of COVID-19. Please remember that medical face masks and N95
respirators are reserved for healthcare personnel and other first responders.


If You Are Pregnant, Breastfeeding, or Caring for Young Children
Risk of COVID-19 during pregnancy
Based on what we know about COVID-19, we believe pregnant people appear to
have the same risk of COVID-19 as adults who are not pregnant. However, much
remains unknown. We do know that pregnant people have had a higher risk of
severe illness when infected with viruses that are similar to COVID-19, as
well as other viral respiratory infections, such as influenza.
We also know that pregnant people have changes in their bodies that may
increase their risk of some infections. Therefore, if you are pregnant, it is
always important for you to try to protect yourself from illnesses whenever
possible.


If You Are Pregnant, Breastfeeding, or Caring for Young Children
Risks to the pregnancy and to the baby
Much is still unknown about the risks of COVID-19 to the pregnancy and to the
baby.

Mother-to-child transmission of COVID-19 during pregnancy is unlikely. However, after birth, a newborn can be infected after being in close contact with an infected person, including the baby’s mother or other caregivers.
A small number of babies have tested positive for the virus shortly after birth, according to limited published reports. However, it is unknown if these babies got the virus before, during, or after birth.
A small number of other problems, such as preterm birth, have been reported in babies born to mothers who tested positive for COVID-19 late in their pregnancy. However, we do not know if these problems were related to the virus.


If You Are Pregnant, Breastfeeding, or Caring for Young Children
Prenatal and postpartum care during the COVID-19 pandemic
It is important to take care of yourself and your baby during pregnancy and
after delivery.
Do not skip your prenatal care appointments or postpartum appointments. If
you are concerned about attending your appointment due to COVID-19, talk to
your healthcare provider.

Ask your healthcare provider how they are taking steps to separate healthy patients from those who may be sick.
Some healthcare providers might choose to cancel or postpone some visits. Others may switch certain appointments to telemedicine visits, which are appointments over the phone or video. These decisions will be based on the circumstances in your community as well as your individual care plan.
Call your healthcare provider if you have an urgent medical question.
In case of emergency, call 911 or go to your local emergency department. If you are not driving, call the emergency department on the way to explain that you are pregnant and have an emergency. They should have an infection prevention plan to protect you from getting COVID-19 if you need emergency care. Do not delay getting emergency care because of COVID-19.


If You Are Pregnant, Breastfeeding, or Caring for Young Children
Vaccines during pregnancy and the COVID-19 pandemic
Although there is no vaccine available to protect against the virus that
causes COVID-19, routine vaccines are an important part of protecting your
health. Receiving some vaccines during pregnancy, such as the influenza (flu)
and Tdap vaccines, can help protect you and your baby. If you are pregnant,
you should continue to receive your recommended vaccines. Talk with your
healthcare provider about visits for vaccines during pregnancy.


If You Are Pregnant, Breastfeeding, or Caring for Young Children
Delivery locations during the COVID-19 pandemic
Delivering your baby is always safest under the supervision of trained
healthcare professionals. If you have questions about the best place to
deliver your baby, discuss them with your healthcare provider.


If You Are Pregnant, Breastfeeding, or Caring for Young Children
Breastfeeding if you have COVID-19

Breast milk provides protection against many illnesses and is the best source of nutrition for most infants. Learn more about breastfeeding.
You, along with your family and healthcare providers, should decide whether and how to start or continue breastfeeding.
We do not know for sure if mothers with COVID-19 can spread the virus to babies in their breast milk, but the limited data available suggest this is not likely.
If you have COVID-19 and choose to breastfeed:
Wear a cloth face covering while breastfeeding and wash your hands before each feeding.

If you have COVID-19 and choose to express breast milk:
Use a dedicated breast pump.
Wear a cloth face covering during expression and wash your hands before touching any pump or bottle parts and before expressing breast milk.
Follow recommendations for proper pump cleaning [Español] after each use, cleaning all parts that come into contact with breast milk.
If possible, expressed breast milk should be fed to the infant by a healthy caregiver who does not have COVID-19, is not at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19, and is living in the same home.


If You Are Pregnant, Breastfeeding, or Caring for Young Children
COVID-19 and children
There is much more to be learned about how this disease affects children.
While some children and infants have been sick with COVID-19, most illnesses
have been among adults. Some reports suggest that infants under 1 year old and
those with underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk of serious
illness from COVID-19 than other children.

Children with COVID-19 generally have mild, cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and cough. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported in some children.
Children with certain underlying medical conditions, such as chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma, serious heart conditions, or weak immune systems, might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Call your child’s healthcare provider if you are worried about your child’s health or if your child has symptoms of COVID-19.
In case of emergency, call 911 or go to your local emergency department. Emergency departments have infection prevention plans to protect you and your child from getting COVID-19 if your child needs emergency care. Do not delay getting emergency care for your child because of COVID-19.


If You Are Pregnant, Breastfeeding, or Caring for Young Children
Face shields for newborns and infants
Plastic face shields for newborns and infants are NOT recommended. There
are no data supporting the use of infant face shields for protection against
COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses. An infant face shield could increase
the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or
accidental suffocation and strangulation. Infants, including newborns, move
frequently, which could increase the possibility of their nose and mouth
becoming blocked by the plastic face shield or foam components. The baby’s
movement could also cause the face shield to become displaced, resulting in
strangulation from the strap.
Information for how to protect newborns from becoming sick with COVID-19 while
in the hospital can be found in CDC’s Considerations for Inpatient Obstetrics
Healthcare Settings. Additional information on how to protect yourself
and others,
including newborns and infants, from COVID-19 illness is also available.


If You Are Pregnant, Breastfeeding, or Caring for Young Children
Safe sleep for infants during the COVID-19 pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, parents of infants may experience increased
stress and fatigue that could affect their infants’ sleep practices. Safe
sleep is an important part of keeping infants healthy, including during the
COVID-19 pandemic. If you have an infant, you can help reduce your baby’s risk
of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths by doing
the following:

Place your baby on his or her back for all sleep times – naps and at night.
Use a firm, flat sleep surface, such as a mattress in a crib, covered by a fitted sheet.
Have the baby share your room but not your bed. Your baby should not sleep on an adult bed, cot, air mattress, or couch, or on a chair alone, with you, or with anyone else.
Keep soft bedding such as blankets, pillows, bumper pads, and soft toys out of your baby’s sleep area.
Do not cover your baby’s head or allow your baby to get too hot. Signs your baby may be getting too hot include if he or she is sweating or if his or her chest feels hot.
Do not smoke or allow anyone to smoke around your baby.


If You Are Pregnant, Breastfeeding, or Caring for Young Children
Well visits and routine vaccine visits for children during the COVID-19
pandemic
Routine well child visits and vaccine visits are still important during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Newborn visits. Ideally, newborn visits should be done in person so that
your pediatric healthcare provider can check your baby’s growth and feeding,
check your baby for jaundice, make sure your baby’s newborn screening tests
were done, and get any repeat or follow-up testing, if necessary. At the
newborn visit, your pediatric healthcare provider will also check how you and
your baby are doing overall. Newborn screening tests include a bloodspot,
hearing test, and test for critical congenital heart
defects. Learn more about newborn
screening tests.
Well child visits. Your pediatric healthcare provider will check your
child’s development at well child visits. You can track your child’s
developmental milestones with CDC’s free Milestone Tracker
app.
Vaccine visits. Vaccines are an important part of keeping your child
healthy, especially if your child is under 2 years old. Vaccines help provide
immunity before being exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases.
Although there is not yet a vaccine to help protect against COVID-19, vaccines
for illnesses such as measles, influenza (flu), whooping cough (pertussis),
and other infectious diseases are important for your child’s health. This will
help to prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases among young children
during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ask your healthcare provider how they are taking steps to separate healthy
patients from those who may be sick. Some health care providers may choose to
delay visits like well child checks and routine vaccine visits. These
decisions will be based on circumstances in your community and your child’s
individual care plan. Call your provider’s office to ask about any upcoming
appointments or about when your child’s vaccinations are due.


If You Are Pregnant, Breastfeeding, or Caring for Young Children
Coping with stress
Pandemics can be stressful for everyone. Fear and anxiety about a disease can
be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in both adults and children.
Coping successfully with stress will make you, the people you care about,
and your community stronger.
Talk with your children about the pandemic. It is important to try to stay
calm and to give children information that is truthful and appropriate for
their ages and developmental levels. Children respond differently to
stressful situations than adults. CDC offers resources to help you talk with your children
about COVID-19.
Depression during and after pregnancy is common and can be treated. Postpartum
depression is depression that can happen after having a baby. If you think you
may be experiencing depression, seek treatment from your health care provider
as soon as possible. Find more information on depression during and after
pregnancy.
Pregnant people and parents caring for young children may be experiencing
increased stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic. CDC offers resources to help
with Stress and Coping.