With experts predicting a “surge” in omicron cases in the coming days, I wanted to share a blog with some tips to help you prepare for the logistics of quarantine and self-isolation – and how IV therapy might factor into your recovery. Even though the likelihood that you or someone you know will encounter this situation sometime soon is high, it is still one of those things that seems to always catch us a little off-guard.

After a recent exposure and quarantine of my own, here are a few things I learned about how to feel prepared ahead of time, and how to get your life back to normal in the days that follow. 

How to feel prepared for quarantine before testing positive

Though there’s really no guaranteed way to know when and where you might encounter a COVID exposure, it isn’t a bad idea to have a few things on hand in the unfortunate event that you do test positive.

For example, check to make sure you are stocked up on the medical supplies that you might need to treat common symptoms, including items that might treat fevers, sore throats, congestion, and general aches and pains. Please note, I suggest “stocking up;” by this, I mean make sure you have the adequate amount to last your household a quarantine period of 5-10 days. I do not suggest panic-buying vast quantities that cause major store outages and general outrage. (Though we are still reliving the COVID part of 2020, let’s not bring back the toilet paper pandemonium of two years ago, too.). 

If you haven’t already, request some free at-home tests here to have on hand, and/or look up your nearest testing sites.

I also suggest keeping a good supply of groceries on hand, so you don’t have to worry about the logistics of a grocery store run in the midst of quarantine. Non-perishables are a good place to start – canned foods or dry goods. But also think about things that are easy to prepare, such as frozen pizzas, soup or cereal so you don’t have to worry about cooking in the event that you aren’t feeling well, and can’t reach out to your usual network for help feeding yourself. It’s also a good idea to grab a few of your comfort foods. What kinds of treats cheer you up when you’re feeling down? 

Finally, I recommend brushing up on the updated CDC guidelines (they are prone to changes as we learn more about the virus, after all), and coming up with some contingency plans surrounding work, childcare and any other responsibilities that might be impacted if you are homebound for a few days. 

Bouncing back after you are negative and symptom-free! 

It may be a little stressful jumping back into your regular day-to-day after spending some time either sick or isolated, so I recommend prioritizing some self care once you are cleared to do so. Schedule something fun that makes you feel like yourself again. Whether that’s an exercise class, a lunch date with a friend, or an IV appointment to get your feeling like your best self, make a plan to take care of you after undergoing this challenge. 

However you choose to take care of yourself, remember to adhere to CDC guidelines when it comes to masking, vaccinations, and social distancing! Stay healthy, friends. 

What have your experiences with this new strand of COVID been? Any advice I missed? Share below.