And being on your own inevitably means being more self-reliant.

Jaw pain; shoulder, back or neck discomfort; nausea; and lightheadedness are also signs.

After getting through to 911, describe your symptoms.

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Chest pains will get an ambulance racing to you immediately.

Then you could dial a family member or friend to alert them to the situation.

Aspirin (but no other painkillers) can help reduce clotting.

three vertical images next to each other; on left is a man coughing, center is someone on the phone, and right is woman outside holding cat

Sit down,preferably in a comfortable chair near the entrance of your home.

Take slow, deep, calming breaths.

The more you’ve got the option to control your natural instinct to panic, the better.

two side-by-side illustrations; hand dialing 911 in left image; bottles of pills and medical cards in right image

Burglars generally want to get in and out.

That only puts you at greater risk of harm.

If you cant get out, hide.Dont go exploring the house or wandering around, Edwards says.

two side-by-side illustrations; left image shows person in house; right side shows a different person climbing in a window

Hide in a safe place with a door that can be locked and, if possible, barricaded.

Call for help.If you’re free to do so quietly, call 911.

Say your name and address, and that theres someone in your home.

two side-by-side illustrations of man coughing and bending over with hand on table

Wait until police arrive and confirm that all is clear.

Notify a friend or family member that youre sick,and have them check on you daily.

Call your doctorand ask about prescription COVID treatments they can call in to your local pharmacy.

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Deploy home remedies.Ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as well as cough drops and over-the-counter cough syrups, can help.

Check with your physician about interactions with prescription meds youre taking.

Try a saltwater gargleto calm a sore throat, or just eat a large pickle, says Yancey.

The salt will draw fluid out of the tissue and reduce inflammation.

If you experience confusion or difficulty breathing or have trouble staying awake, call 911.

If youre not experiencing stroke symptoms, take a minute to regain your composure.

Then push yourself up.

Be prepared.Keep your cellphone handy.

Several companies make shoulder holsters for cell-phones so you could quickly access yours in case of an emergency.