The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, has changed life as we know it. With the pandemic continuing to spread, it is important to know the steps to take if you become infected. Quarantine is a key part of containing the virus, but how long should you stay in quarantine if you have the virus? Let’s take a look.
Corona: What is Quarantine?
Quarantine is a period of isolation for people who may have been exposed to a contagious disease. It is a key part of containing the virus, as it prevents the person from spreading the virus to others. Quarantine is typically done at home, but it can also be done in a healthcare facility.
How Long Should You Quarantine With Corona?
The length of time that you must quarantine depends on the situation. Generally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people who have COVID-19 symptoms, have tested positive for the virus, or have been exposed to someone with the virus, quarantine for 14 days.
If you are asymptomatic, meaning you do not have any symptoms, the CDC recommends that you quarantine for 14 days after your last exposure to the virus. If you develop symptoms after the 14-day period, the CDC recommends that you stay in quarantine until you have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours.
If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus, the CDC recommends that you quarantine for 14 days from the last time you were in contact with the infected person.
It is important to note that the CDC recommends that people who are in quarantine limit contact with others, practice social distancing, and wear a face covering when in public.
Quarantine is a key part of containing the virus and preventing the spread of COVID-19. If you have the virus, or have been exposed to someone with the virus, it is important to follow the CDC’s guidelines and quarantine for 14 days. Doing so will help protect yourself and others from the virus.
The coronavirus, or COVID-19, has been a source of uncertainty and worry alike over the past year, and many are worried about the implications of catching the virus on our lives. Among these worries is the issue of quarantine: if we catch the virus, how long will we need to stay isolated from everyone else?
If you test positive for the virus, the general recommendation is to remain in self-isolation for at least fourteen days. This isolation should be absolute and cannot be shared with anyone else: no visitors, no grocery shopping trips, no walks outside. During this time, you should be monitoring for any changes in your symptoms.
If your symptoms worsen in any way after the fourteen-day period of self-isolation, it is best to get in contact with a healthcare provider. Depending on the severity of your case and any new symptoms, you may need additional isolation time. At the very least, it is likely that you will need additional tests taken, at a minimum of seven days apart.
However, during this period of quarantine, there is a long list of things you can do in order to maintain your health and wellbeing. Most of all, it is important to stay hydrated and to eat a balanced diet. You should also strive to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid processed junk food.
In addition to a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity and finding ways to keep your mind busy with activities like mediation, coloring, and puzzles can have a great therapeutic impact. Staying connected with family and friends through video calls also prove beneficial to your mental and emotional health.
Though it can prove challenging, maintaining a degree of regularity in your routine during this period of self-isolation is paramount. Maintaining a regular sleeping schedule and spending a specific amount of time outside each day will even prove beneficial to those who are not suffering from active symptoms of the virus.
In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how long quarantine must last for those who do receive a positive diagnosis of the coronavirus. However, it is safe to say that 14 days is a minimum and depending on the severity of your case, additional isolation measures may be required. Furthermore, making use of self-care tactics and focusing on staying connected with your support system can make this period of quarantine easier to endure.