What to do when you have COVID-19

What to do when you have COVID-19

By Abby Brockman, RN

With ever-changing recommendations regarding the evolving COVID-19 virus, it can be difficult to understand what you’re supposed to do if you test positive for COVID-19. Gaudiani Clinic nurse, Abby Brockman, RN, has summarized current CDC recommendations in case you or someone in your life tests positive and must isolate.

Guide to COVID-19 Isolation:

Day 0 is when your symptoms first start; Day 1 is the first FULL day of symptoms. Current recommendations are to isolate for 5 days after one’s first full day of symptoms. Regardless of vaccination status, isolate from others in your home and wear a well-fitting mask if you must be around others in your home.

After 5 full days:

If there has been no fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications AND any other symptoms have improved one can consider ending isolation. If you tested positive and never developed symptoms, you may end isolation after 5 days.

For days 6-10:

It is important to wear a well-fitted mask (N95 or KN95, no cloth masks) whenever you are around people. It is important to avoid gyms, restaurants, or any place where you would have your mask off for any period of time. It is also best to avoid immunocompromised/high risk individuals and travel until after day 10.  

For people who have been exposed to you:

It is recommended that all exposed individuals are tested 5 days after exposure.

Exposed symptom-free individuals do NOT need to quarantine if they are:

-18+ who are fully vaccinated and boosted and/or have had COVID within the past 90 days

-5-17-year-olds who have had 2 doses of a vaccine and/or have had COVID within the past 90 days

If an exposed individual is not in one of these groups, they should quarantine for 5 days and monitor symptoms (day 0 is day of exposure).