Good morning!
My neighbor announced that she contracted COVID-19 while on a business trip the week prior, and had begun isolation protocols. A few days ago, she informed me that her husband also contracted the virus from her and was now responding to treatment. It had been several years since I revisited the Covid-19 guidelines, and figured I better get to them before they get scrubbed from the various websites...
After reviewing various sites; Harvard Medical, the CDC and WebMD, pretty much the guidelines have not changed a whole heck of a lot from 2020 / 2021. This is a summary of the highlights; 10 day protocols seems to remain the golden rule. Always consult your medical provider when in doubt.
What are the new rules for a positive COVID test?
Those who test positive should mask indoors when around others during the full 10 days following symptom onset date (or positive test date if no symptoms). However, confirmed cases may remove their mask sooner than 10 full days after two sequential negative antigen tests at least one day apart.
Consider staying away from people at high risk of getting very sick until: 10 days have passed since your symptoms started, 10 days have passed since you tested positive (if you never developed symptoms), or. You test negative for COVID-19 with an antigen test (such as an at-home test)
How long are you contagious after you test positive for COVID-19?
You are considered contagious from two days before your symptoms begin until 10 days after your symptoms began. If you have no symptoms, you are considered contagious beginning two days before your test sample was collected and until 10 days after your test sample was collected.
How long do I have to stay home after a positive COVID test?
You should isolate for at least 5 days counting from the day you began feeling sick (Day 0 is the day you began feeling sick; Day 1 is the next day). If you have no symptoms, then isolate for 5 full days after the day you tested positive (Day 0 is the day you took your positive test; Day 1 is the day after).
Can I go to work if my spouse has COVID?
Outside of getting medical care, you should isolate yourself to your home. Do not go to work, school, place of worship or other public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing or taxis.
When should I test again after testing positive?
You must continue to follow strict mask-wearing and do not eat, travel, or socialize with others through day 10. If your day 5 test result remains positive, you must continue to isolate and can retest on day 7.
When are you no longer contagious against COVID?
COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) is probably not contagious after 10 days of infection, especially if your symptoms have completely resolved. Even if mild symptoms remain, you are likely not contagious after 10 days.
How long does COVID last in your body?
An average person may continue to shed the COVID-19 virus for about a month after infection. Some may test positive for at least three months, even after symptoms are gone. New studies suggest that COVID-19 may linger in your system from 14 months to two years after infection, even after symptoms go away.
That last one was a nagging question that I had. When COVID-19 first came out, they equated the virus to that of HIV or herpes; once it's in your system, it never really would leave, residing dormant in the bodies substructures. That apparently has changed. It's nice to learn something new.
Neither me nor my husband have contracted COVID. We are pretty good at isolating and hygiene, in general, and with the virus uptick this season, have taken to putting on masks when going into congested places (Walmart, grocery stores, etc.). We also kept up on our annual vaccinations and keep a stash of (current) test kits. If we're feeling off or ill, will run a test to rule out the virus.
Currently, Paxlovid is the treatment of choice for combating COVID-19; if you test positive, contact your medical provider for further information and options.
Stay safe, stay healthy.
Rade
4 comments:
It's good to remind people of these guidelines. I would also really emphasize the vaccine issue -- for everyone, not so much for those who suspect they may be infected. Even if a fully-vaccinated person does catch the disease, it's a lot less likely to become really serious. I've had the vaccine and all the boosters and have never had covid, or at least no trace of any symptoms.
Thank you for this!
We're in the same boat - fully vaxxed and with all the boosters and neither of us have been hit with Covid (or the flu). We also taken to wearing masks when out in crowds. ...an ounce of precaution...
You're more than welcome!
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