How long are you contagious with COVID? Recommendation for ending isolation

The length of time someone is contagious with COVID-19 can vary, but it is generally believed to be around 10 days. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people with COVID-19 end their isolation period 10 days after symptom onset and at least 24 hours after their last fever without the use of fever-reducing medication and other symptoms have improved.

It's also important to note that those who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are asymptomatic (people who test positive but do not have symptoms) should also isolate for 10 days from the date of their positive test.

It is important to follow the guidelines provided by local health authorities for ending isolation as these may vary depending on the local situation.

Antiviral medicine can help prevent you from getting really sick with COVID

Antiviral medications can be used to treat COVID-19 and help prevent severe illness. These medications, which include drugs like remdesivir and favipiravir, work by inhibiting the replication of the virus in the body. They are typically only prescribed to people who are hospitalized with COVID-19 or have a high risk of severe illness.

In addition to antiviral medications, certain treatments such as monoclonal antibodies, a type of protein that mimics the immune system's ability to fight off harmful pathogens, may be used to prevent severe illness in high-risk individuals.

It is important to note that these medications are not a substitute for vaccination, and the most effective way to prevent severe illness from COVID-19 is through vaccination. Also, these medications are not recommended for people who have mild or moderate COVID-19 symptoms, and most people with COVID-19 recover without needing medical treatment.

It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on treatment options for COVID-19.

Because you can still be infectious, wear a mask after your 5-day isolation ends

Even after a person with COVID-19 ends their isolation period, it is still possible for them to be infectious and spread the virus to others. This is why it is important to continue following public health guidelines, including wearing a mask and practicing physical distancing, even after the end of the isolation period.

The CDC recommends that people with COVID-19 continue to take precautions for at least 10 days after their symptoms first appeared and at least 24 hours after their last fever without the use of fever-reducing medication and other symptoms have improved. This includes wearing a mask in public and avoiding close contact with people who are at high risk for severe illness.

It's also important to note that people who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are asymptomatic (people who test positive but do not have symptoms) should also continue to take precautions for 10 days from the date of their positive test.

It is important to follow the guidelines provided by local health authorities for ending isolation as these may vary depending on the local situation.

If you've been exposed, are sick, or are caring for someone with COVID-19

If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, are experiencing symptoms of the virus, or are caring for someone with COVID-19, it is important to take steps to protect yourself and others from the further spread of the virus.

If you have been exposed:

You should self-quarantine for 14 days from the last date of exposure, even if you test negative for the virus or do not have any symptoms.

Monitor yourself for symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.

If you develop symptoms, contact your healthcare provider for guidance on next steps.

If you are sick or caring for someone with COVID-19:

Stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible.

Follow the guidelines provided by local health authorities for self-isolation and testing.

Wear a mask when in close contact with other people, especially those at high risk for severe illness.

Practice frequent hand hygiene and clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.

It's also important to note that if you are sick or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should not go to work, school, or other public places until it is safe to do so. If you need to go out for essential needs, it is important to follow recommended guidelines for mask-wearing, physical distancing, and other preventive measures.

How long are you contagious with COVID? Recommendation for ending isolation