Understand COVID-19’s IQ: Isolation and Quarantine

Understand COVID-19’s IQ: Isolation and Quarantine

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 leaving site icon 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 leaving site icon 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 quarantineleaving site icon 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 leaving site icon 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, leaving site icon Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022; Symptoms of COVID-19, leaving site icon CDC, 2021.

Originally published 5/14/2020: Revised 2022

Anonymous