From the Guidelines
You should isolate for at least 10 days after COVID-19 symptom onset, along with fever resolution for 24 hours, without antipyretics, and improvement in other symptoms before ending home isolation. This recommendation is based on the guidance provided by the national psoriasis foundation COVID-19 task force 1, which suggests that patients are unlikely to be infectious after this point. Some key points to consider when deciding to end isolation include:
- Fever resolution for 24 hours without antipyretics
- Improvement in other symptoms
- A minimum of 10 days after COVID-19 symptom onset It's also important to note that some individuals, particularly those with compromised immune systems or severe illness, may remain contagious for longer periods and should consult with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance 1. Additionally, a study published in 2021 1 suggests that COVID-19 patients should be kept in isolation at least until 14 days have passed since the date of their first positive COVID-19 diagnostic test, as clinical criteria cannot be used to assess where these individuals are in the course of their illness. However, the most recent and highest quality study 1 recommends a minimum of 10 days after symptom onset, which is the basis for the recommendation provided. In any case, it's crucial to follow the guidance of local health authorities and healthcare providers for specific advice on isolation and quarantine.
From the Research
Isolation Period
- The provided studies do not directly address the recommended duration of isolation from the start of symptoms.
- However, some studies discuss the management of COVID-19 symptoms and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen 2, 3, 4.
- Another study discusses the importance of isolation precautions in respiratory tract infections, including viral infections 5.
- A recent systematic review and network meta-analysis compared the effects of various treatments for mild or moderate COVID-19, including drug treatments and their impact on hospital admission and symptom resolution 6.
- While these studies provide information on the management of COVID-19 symptoms and the use of various treatments, they do not provide a specific recommendation for the duration of isolation from the start of symptoms.