What should I do now? That’s probably the first question that pops into your mind if you contract COVID-19 or come in contact with someone who has it. The answers can be confusing. As the virus has mutated and changed, some of the safety advice  has changed, too.

What should I do if I have COVID-19?

In a word, isolate. If you are sick or test positive for the virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  says you should stay away from others for 5 full days. Even if you’ve been vaccinated.

Isolate:

• For 5 full days if you have COVID-19 symptoms – even if you haven’t been tested, are waiting for test results or don’t know if you’ve been around someone who has COVID-19.
• For 5 full days if you have tested positive for COVID-19 – with or without symptoms.

Afterward, wear a mask when around others at home and out in public for 5 more days.  

To isolate properly, follow these guidelines:

• Stay home, don’t go to school, work or any place where you will come in contact with others
• Recover in a separate “sick” room away from family members and roommates
• Use a separate bathroom, if possible
• Avoid contact with members of the household and pets
• Wear a mask when you have to be around others in your home

What should I do if I’ve been exposed to COVID-19? 

You may need to quarantine,  but it depends on your vaccine status. If you’re up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccines or had a confirmed case of the virus within 90 days, you don’t need to quarantine as long as you are symptom-free.

What if I’m not vaccinated?

If you aren’t up-to-date on your vaccines and have been exposed to someone with the virus, quarantine for 5 full days.

To quarantine properly, follow these guidelines:

• Stay home, don’t go to school, work or any place where you could come in contact with others
• Wear a mask when around others in your home
• Don’t travel
• Get tested at least 5 days after you have close contact to someone with COVID-19
• Watch for symptoms and take precautions for 10 days after your last contact
• Isolate right away if you notice any symptoms

Remember, when you isolate and quarantine, you help protect yourself and the people around you. Always pay attention to any possible COVID-19 symptoms  that you may develop. If you have trouble breathing or feel lasting pain or pressure in your chest, seek expert emergency care right away.

Source: Quarantine and Isolation,  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022; Symptoms of COVID-19,  CDC, 2021.

Originally published 5/14/2020: Revised 2022