Stay in self-quarantine for 10 days after your last exposure (unless you are fully vaccinated or tested positive for COVID-19 in the past and meet all criteria noted in the section above). Check daily for symptoms, wash hands, always wear a mask and stay at least 6 feet from others for 14 days.
“In the early days of the pandemic, it was recommended to isolate for 10 days after having a positive COVID test. And then a few years ago, the CDC changed its recommendation: you could come out of isolation five days after receiving a positive test and wear a mask for the additional five days.”
That said, you are contagious with COVID for an average of eight days (although this varies based upon the severity of illness) and you should take precautions to prevent others from getting it during this time frame.
Stopping the Spread of COVID-19 to Others Stay home unless you need medical care. Don't go to work or school and avoid public places like stores. Stay away from others. Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Call your close contacts.
Many people with COVID-19 get better with rest, fluids and treatment for their symptoms. Medicine you can get without a prescription can help. Some examples are: Fever reducers.
Updated Guidance: The updated Respiratory Virus Guidance recommends that people stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after both their symptoms are getting better overall, and they have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
What helps COVID symptoms go away faster? There's no cure for COVID-19, but rest, fluids, and fever reducers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can improve your symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication if you're at a risk of complications from COVID.
That said, you are contagious with COVID for an average of eight days (although this varies based upon the severity of illness) and you should take precautions to prevent others from getting it during this time frame.
If you test positive, you are strongly encouraged to isolate (stay home and away from other people) for at least 5 full days, to prevent spreading the disease to others. Isolation is recommended even if you have been vaccinated or have had COVID-19 before.
In ance with guidance from the CDC, if you test positive for COVID-19 you should: Isolate for 5 days regardless of vaccination status. Only leave isolation after 5 days if you have no symptoms or your symptoms are improving, including at least 24 hours without a fever.