From the Guidelines
The CDC no longer recommends quarantine after COVID-19 exposure for the general public, regardless of vaccination status, and instead advises wearing a high-quality mask for 10 days after exposure and getting tested on day 5 after exposure, or sooner if symptoms develop. This guidance is based on the most recent recommendations, which prioritize reducing the risk of transmission and severe disease. For individuals who test positive for COVID-19, the CDC recommends isolating at home for at least 5 days, staying in a separate room from others if possible, and ending isolation after 5 days if fever-free for 24 hours without medication and symptoms are improving 1.
Key Recommendations
- Wear a high-quality mask for 10 days after exposure when around others
- Get tested on day 5 after exposure, or sooner if symptoms develop
- Isolate at home for at least 5 days if testing positive for COVID-19
- End isolation after 5 days if fever-free for 24 hours without medication and symptoms are improving
- Continue wearing a mask around others for an additional 5 days after ending isolation
Treatment Considerations
For individuals at high risk for severe disease, it is essential to contact a healthcare provider promptly, as antiviral medications like Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) or molnupiravir must be started within 5 days of symptom onset to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Most people with mild symptoms can recover at home with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications for symptom relief. The CDC guidelines emphasize the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest recommendations, as the pandemic response continues to evolve with new tools and treatments becoming available 1.
Additional Guidance
It is crucial to note that while favipiravir has been recommended in some treatment guidelines for mild to moderate COVID-19, the CDC guidance prioritizes the use of antiviral medications like Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) or molnupiravir for high-risk individuals, highlighting the importance of consulting a healthcare provider for personalized treatment recommendations 1.
From the Research
CDC Guidelines for Quarantine and Treatment after Covid-19 Exposure
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a 10-14 day quarantine for asymptomatic individuals after Covid-19 exposure 2.
- Alternatively, the CDC suggests a 7-day quarantine with a negative PCR test for asymptomatic individuals 2, 3.
- A study found that exposed asymptomatic students ages 18-44 years in a university setting are at low risk if released from quarantine at 7 days if they test negative PCR test prior to release 2.
- Another study analyzed interim data from an ongoing study of household transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and found that among household contacts who received negative SARS-CoV-2 test results and were asymptomatic through day 7, there was an 81% chance of remaining asymptomatic and receiving negative RT-PCR test results through day 14 3.
Treatment Options for Covid-19
- The CDC recommends Covid-19 vaccination as the most effective means to achieve control of the pandemic 4.
- Two oral antivirals, molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, have received emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of mild to moderate coronavirus disease (COVID-19) 5.
- A study found that nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) reduced the risk of hospitalization by 39% and reduced the risk of death by 61% among adults with COVID-19 6.
Special Considerations
- Unvaccinated persons, as well as persons with certain immunocompromising conditions, remain at substantial risk for infection, severe illness, and death, especially in areas where the level of SARS-CoV-2 community transmission is high 4.
- Fully vaccinated persons might consider wearing a mask in public indoor settings, regardless of transmission level, if they or someone in their household is immunocompromised or is at increased risk for severe disease, or if someone in their household is unvaccinated 4.