08/25/2025
UNFORTUNATELY, I HAVE HAD SEVERAL POSITIVE FLU & COVID PATIENTS TODAY. PLEASE WASH YOUR HANDS!!!
How long do you have to isolate after a positive COVID test?
You should stay home and away from others until symptoms improve and you've been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication, then take extra precautions by masking for five additional days. This guidance applies to most individuals.
Key Steps:
1. Stay Home:
Isolate from others when you first develop symptoms or receive a positive test result.
2. Monitor Symptoms:
Wait until your symptoms are improving and you've had no fever for at least 24 hours (without medication).
3. Resume Activities with Caution:
After meeting the above criteria, you can resume normal activities but should wear a mask for the following five days.
4. Consider Higher Risk:
If you are at a higher risk for severe illness, such as older adults, young children, pregnant people, or those with compromised immune systems, seek testing and consult your physician.
How long do you have to quarantine if you have the flu?
To quarantine with the flu, stay home and avoid others until your symptoms are improving and you've been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine, according to the CDC. You are most contagious during the first 3-4 days of illness and can spread the virus from one day before symptoms appear for up to 5-7 days after symptoms start, with exceptions for young children and those with weakened immune systems who may remain contagious longer.
When to Stay Home
Until symptoms are improving: You should stay home as long as your symptoms are not getting better.
24 hours fever-free: After symptoms are improving, you must be fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications like Tylenol or Advil.
Beyond the 24-hour rule: It is important to know that even if you don't have a fever, you can still be contagious if you have flu symptoms, so limiting contact is key.
How to Quarantine at Home
Avoid contact: Limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them, especially those at high risk of severe illness.
Practice hygiene: Continue to cover coughs and sneezes and wash hands thoroughly, even after returning to work.
Protect others: If possible, isolate from other household members who are not sick.