Turner Overton, M.D., professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, says there are several recommendations and precautions you can take to make sure you stay safe while caring for someone diagnosed with the novel coronavirus.

“It is best to limit your direct exposure to your loved one with COVID-19,” Overton said.

Overton says it is important to make sure they are not developing concerning symptoms that might suggest inadequate oxygen levels: blue lips, blue fingers or toes, persistent headache, slow thinking or poor cognition, shortness of breath at rest, inability to talk due to shortness of breath, and high fevers.

“The CDC and the Alabama Department of Public Health recommend isolation of family members for 14 days after a loved one is diagnosed with COVID-19 to prevent spread of the virus,” he said.

Overton says those who are suffering from milder forms of COVID-19 should take a symptomatic approach for management.