What To Do If You Test Positive For COVID

You have tested positive for COVID-19. What now?

If you are not vaccinated at all, or if you’re only partially vaccinated but have received the booster vaccine (this includes you), you should follow these steps:

1. Isolate

Even if there are no symptoms or if the vaccine is , the CDC recommends that you isolate yourself if infected by this virus.

Isolation does not just mean not leaving your house. It also means keeping away from people who are not infected with whom you live.

Ideal is to use your bathroom, eat, and sleep in your personal space.

If you need to live in a shared space, then:

Wear a mask
Do not contact others or pets
Don’t share towels, blankets, and cups

2. Notify Those Who You Have Come Into Contact With

You may feel panicked after a positive test, not only for your health but also for others’ health who may have been in the same environment as you.

As soon as you can, notify anyone you have come in contact with while you were contagious.

You can be infected with COVID-19 from as early as:

Two days before symptom onset, or positive test

Close contact is defined by:

Contagiousness is defined as being within 6 feet of a person for 15 minutes in total or more during a 24-hour period.

Bottom line: it’s important to inform people that they are exposed so that they can follow the quarantine procedures and get tested according to.

3. Alert Your Doctor

COVID-19 is a mild illness that causes only mild symptoms. These include dry cough, fever, headaches, fatigue, and sore throat.

It’s still a good idea for you to tell your doctor that you have COVID-19. You can ask your doctor about the next steps in treatment. This may include oral medication for COVID-19.

Your doctor can help you report a positive rapid antigen test result to your local health department. It is crucial to provide accurate information about the spread of the virus in the community.

Your COVID-19 result will be reported to the appropriate authorities if your test was done at a hospital or urgent care facility, a pharmacy, or a testing center. It’s still important to consult your doctor if you notice any changes in your symptoms.

4. Watch For Symptoms

Because some people are more susceptible to severe illness from COVID-19, it is important to watch for symptoms that worsen.

If you notice any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention.

Difficulty in breathing
Persistent chest pain
Inability to stay awake
Confusion
Bluish lips and face

5. Isolate According To The CDC Guidelines

If you’re a health worker, first check out the CDC’s guidelines for isolation of health care personnel. You can also contact your employer if you have any questions.

All others should follow the CDC guidelines for general public isolation.

Remember that your isolation timeline starts on the first full day after you notice symptoms or test positively. The first day is Day 1.

The guidelines will then differ depending on your status:

Asymptomatic (no symptoms)
Mild symptoms
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing are moderate symptoms.
Immunocompromised, or severe symptoms requiring hospitalization

Read : What Is The Incubation Period For Covid

You are asymptomatic if you have no symptoms:

You must isolate yourself for five full days following your positive test result*
After day 6 with no symptoms, you may stop the isolation, but continue to wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask for another 5 days.

If you had no symptoms when you tested positive, but developed them later, the clock will reset and Day 0 is now the day that you first notice symptoms. At this point, you’ll want to also follow the symptomatic advice sections below.

Your symptoms may be mild:

Isolate yourself for five full days following the onset of symptoms
On day 6 you can only discontinue the isolation if your mild symptoms have significantly improved* and you are no longer feverish (without using fever-reducing medications). You must, however, continue to wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask for another 5 days.

Wait 24 hours to end isolation if your symptoms are not improving. Loss of smell and taste can persist for several weeks even after you have recovered. This should not be a reason to delay ending your isolation.

Your symptoms may be moderate:

If you have moderate symptoms (shortness or difficulty breathing), then:

Isolate at the onset of symptoms
Contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen.
Only discontinue the isolation on day 10 if you notice a significant improvement in your symptoms*

Do not stop isolation until your symptoms are significantly improved, which may include, but is not limited to, a fever-free 24 hour period without using fever reducers. Loss of smell and taste can persist for several weeks even after you have felt better.

If you have severe symptoms or are immunocompromised:

If you are experiencing severe symptoms (requiring hospitalization), or have a weak immune system, then:

You should isolate yourself from others as soon as you notice symptoms and for at least 10 days.
Contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen if you are immunocompromised.
Consult your doctor on day 10 and only discontinue the isolation if you are advised.

Speak to your healthcare provider if you’re unsure whether you are immunocompromised.

Use the CDC isolation calculator to help you determine how long you need to isolate. If you have any questions, contact your doctor.

For those who can end their isolation after five days, they will need to do much more than simply wear a mask:

Avoid going to places where you cannot wear a mask.
Continue to isolate yourself for 10 days, if you are unable to use a mask around other people.
Continue to avoid people with immunocompromised conditions or those at high risk of infection for another 5 days.
Travel only after 10 days from the first day of symptoms.