If you test positive, you are strongly encouraged to isolate (stay home and away from other people) for at least 5 full days, to prevent spreading the disease to others.

If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, and you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities, you are advised to try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people.

Because coronavirus is transmitted through close contact with someone who is infected, it's common for the virus to spread within homes. But a positive diagnosis for one person doesn't always mean others will be infected.

Paxlovid is the preferred medication because it has shown its effectiveness at preventing the progression of the disease and hospitalization. But both drugs have important safety considerations for eligibility, including interactions with other medications, so it is important to discuss this with your physician.