From the Guidelines
If you test positive for COVID-19, immediately isolate yourself from others to prevent spreading the virus, even if you don't have symptoms. This is crucial in preventing the spread of the virus and reducing the risk of morbidity and mortality in vulnerable individuals 1. When isolating, it is essential to have a plan in place for managing symptoms, as they can deteriorate rapidly, and patients may need urgent hospital admission 1.
Some key steps to take after testing positive for Covid-19 include:
- Contacting your healthcare provider to report your positive test and discuss your symptoms and medical history
- Monitoring your symptoms closely, particularly your temperature, breathing, and oxygen levels if you have a pulse oximeter
- Using controlled breathing techniques, such as positioning, pursed-lip breathing, breathing exercises, and coordinated breathing training to manage symptoms like cough and breathlessness 1
- Considering short-term use of medications like codeine linctus, codeine phosphate tablets, or morphine sulfate oral solution for distressing cough 1
- Notifying your close contacts from the 48 hours before your symptoms began (or before your positive test if asymptomatic) so they can take appropriate precautions
- Continuing isolation for at least 5 days from symptom onset or positive test, and wearing a high-quality mask for an additional 5 days when around others.
It is also essential to know who to contact if your symptoms get worse, such as NHS 111 online 1. By taking these steps, you can help manage your symptoms, prevent the spread of the virus, and reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality.
From the Research
Immediate Steps to Take After Testing Positive for Covid-19
After testing positive for Covid-19, it is essential to take immediate steps to prevent the spread of the virus and ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. The following are some key steps to take:
- Isolate yourself from others to prevent transmission, as recommended by the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation 2
- Inform your close contacts about your positive test result, as they may need to self-isolate or get tested as well
- Follow the guidelines for isolation, which may include wearing a well-fitting mask when around others, even after ending isolation after 5 days 2
- Keep in mind that the duration of infectiousness varies among individuals, and antigen test results may inform isolation guidance 2
Precautions to Take During Isolation
During isolation, it is crucial to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus:
- Use a well-fitting mask when around others, even if you are asymptomatic 3
- Maintain a distance of more than 2 meters (approximately 6 feet) from others, as droplets can travel further than this distance 3
- Be aware that SARS-CoV-2 can be detected in the air and remain viable for 3 hours after aerosolization 3
- Consider using air samplers or other devices to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the air 4
Importance of Adhering to Test, Trace, and Isolate Protocols
Adhering to test, trace, and isolate protocols is crucial in preventing the spread of Covid-19:
- Intention to self-isolate, request a test, and share details of close contacts is associated with greater perceived risk of Covid-19 and knowledge of asymptomatic transmission 5
- Psychological factors, such as agreeing that personal behavior has an impact on Covid-19 transmission, can promote engagement with the test, trace, and isolate system 5
- Education and awareness campaigns can help improve adherence to these protocols and prevent the spread of the virus 6