COVID-19Common question

Should I Get Tested for COVID-19?

If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or have recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19, stay home and call your healthcare provider.

When should I end isolation after a positive COVID-19 test?

Isolation and precautions can be discontinued 10 days after the first positive viral test.

How long after being infected with COVID-19 can I be around others again?

You can be around others after:

● 10 days since symptoms first appeared and
● 24 hours with no fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and
● Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving*

*Loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation​

How long can you spread COVID-19 after testing positive?

People with COVID-19 can spread the virus to other people for 10 days after they develop symptoms, or 10 days from the date of their positive test if they do not have symptoms. The person with COVID-19 and all members of the household should wear a well-fitted mask and consistently, inside the home.

What should I do after recovering from COVID-19?

What does this mean for you? Even after recovering from COVID-19, it's imperative that you get vaccinated and continue to practice the preventive measures that protect yourself and others from the virus, including social distancing, wearing a mask and washing your hands regularly.

22 related questions found

How long does it take to recover from COVID-19?

Fortunately, people who have mild to moderate symptoms typically recover in a few days or weeks.

How long does the post-COVID condition last?

Although most people with COVID-19 get better within weeks of illness, some people experience post-COVID conditions. Post-COVID conditions are a wide range of new, returning, or ongoing health problems people can experience more than four weeks after first being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19.

Are recovered persons with persistent positive test of COVID-19 infectious to others?

Persons who have tested persistently or recurrently positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA have, in some cases, had their signs and symptoms of COVID-19 improve. When viral isolation in tissue culture has been attempted in such persons in South Korea and the United States, live virus has not been isolated. There is no evidence to date that clinically recovered persons with persistent or recurrent detection of viral RNA have transmitted SARS-CoV-2 to others.

Despite these observations, it’s not possible to conclude that all persons with persistent or recurrent detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA are no longer infectious. There is no firm evidence that the antibodies that develop in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection are protective. If these antibodies are protective, it’s not known what antibody levels are needed to protect against reinfection.

When is the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) the most contagious?

Researchers estimate that people who get infected with the coronavirus can spread it to others 2 to 3 days before symptoms start and are most contagious 1 to 2 days before they feel sick.

How long should I stay in home isolation if I have COVID-19?

People who are severely ill with COVID-19 might need to stay home longer than 10 days and up to 20 days after symptoms first appeared. People with weakened immune systems may require testing to determine when they can be around others. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information.

Can you get reinfected with COVID-19?

Based on what we know from similar viruses, some reinfections are expected. We are still learning more about COVID-19.

Do I need to self-quarantine after recovering from COVID-19?

• People who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last three months and recovered do not have to quarantine or get tested again as long as they do not develop new symptoms.

What to do if you test positive for COVID-19 on a home test?

If your COVID-19 test is positive, tell a healthcare provider about your positive result and stay in contact with them during your illness. To avoid spreading the virus to others, follow CDC's guidance for isolation.

Can an infected person spread COVID-19 before showing symptoms?

An infected person can spread COVID-19 starting 2 days before the person has any symptoms or tests positive. People who have COVID-19 don't always have obvious symptoms. A person is still considered a close contact even if they were wearing a mask while they were around someone with COVID-19.

How long does it take for COVID-19 symptoms to start showing?

People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms – from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. If you have fever, cough, or other symptoms, you might have COVID-19.

Can patients who have recovered from COVID-19 continue to have detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA in upper respiratory specimens?

• Patients who have recovered from COVID-19 can continue to have detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA in upper respiratory specimens for up to 3 months after illness onset in concentrations considerably lower than during illness; however, replication-competent virus has not been reliably recovered and infectiousness is unlikely.

Should the person who has clinically recovered from COVID-19 continue to wear a cloth face covering in public?

Yes. It is recommended that all persons, with a few exceptions, wear cloth face coverings in public.

Should fully vaccinated persons isolate themselves from others if they get infected with COVID-19?

Although the risk that fully vaccinated people could become infected with COVID-19 is low, any fully vaccinated person who experiences symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should isolate themselves from others, be clinically evaluated for COVID-19, including SARS-CoV-2 testing, if indicated.

What are some of the lingering side effects of COVID-19?

A full year has passed since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and the mind-boggling aftermath of the virus continues to confuse doctors and scientists. Particularly concerning for doctors and patients alike are lingering side effects, such as memory loss, reduced attention and an inability to think straight.

What are post-COVID conditions?

Although most people with COVID-19 get better within weeks of illness, some people experience post-COVID conditions. Post-COVID conditions are a wide range of new, returning, or ongoing health problems people can experience more than four weeks after first being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19.

What are some neurological long-term side effects of COVID-19 after recovery?

A variety of neurological health complications have been shown to persist in some patients who recover from COVID-19. Some patients who recover from their illness may continue to experience neuropsychiatric issues, including fatigue, 'fuzzy brain,' or confusion.

What can I do to recover from COVID-19 at home if I have mild symptoms?

Get rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, to help you feel better. Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care.

Are three weeks enough to recover from COVID-19?

The CDC survey found that one-third of these adults had not returned to normal health within two to three weeks of testing positive for COVID-19.

What should I do when I get COVID-19 test result?

• If you test positive, know what protective steps to take to prevent others from getting sick.
• If you test negative, you probably were not infected at the time your sample was collected. The test result only means that you did not have COVID-19 at the time of testing. Continue to take steps to protect yourself.

Do I need to quarantine for COVID-19 after a positive screening test?

If a person tests positive on a screening test and is referred for a confirmatory test, they should quarantine until they receive the results of their confirmatory test. For guidance on quarantine and testing of fully vaccinated people, please visit Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People.