Health is the theme of the year. COVID-19 has changed how we all view individual and public health and made maintaining it a priority. While restrictions are relaxing across many states, public health officials agree that we’re not finished with the coronavirus. And with colder months approaching, northern states in particular are fearing an uptick in cases. 

So what can you do to maintain and monitor your health amid this pandemic? Here are three tips. 

Prioritize prevention

It sounds like a no-brainer, but focusing on good health and prevention of illness is more important now than ever. Nourish your body with healthy foods, get your eight hours a night, engage with loved ones and hobbies, exercise, and follow CDC guidelines. Mask wearing, hand washing, and proper social distancing are all still paramount to prevention of COVID-19 and proven effective in warding off illness when practiced consistently. 

Don’t ignore symptoms

In this strange time, it can be difficult to remember what your baseline health feels like, and factors like anxiety and poor sleep can be culprits for a myriad of uncomfortable symptoms, making it difficult to know what’s causing what. According to the CDC, the most commonly reported symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, and nausea. Symptoms can arise 2-14 days after exposure. 

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to keep a watchful eye on how symptoms progress. If symptoms are persistent or severe, contact your doctor immediately and maintain distance from others. 

Enlist a home saliva test kit

Home saliva test kits are now available to determine contraction of COVID-19. Tests require a saliva sample, and you can receive your secure digital results within 72 hours of your sample reaching the lab. If your at-home kit determines you’ve been infected, consult with your doctor immediately and follow CDC guidelines. 

Though we’re all bound to feel a little helpless during this vulnerable time, there’s still plenty we can do to maintain and monitor our health now and moving forward. The end of this pandemic relies on us all to do our part to prioritize our health and look out for others. Keep your health top of mind with these three tips, and consult your doctor with any questions.