HomeAnswersGeneral Medicinecovid-19What is the quarantine period for a COVID-positive person?

I have tested positive for COVID. How long should I be in quarantine, and should I do a re-test afterward?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Nagaraj

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At February 14, 2022
Reviewed AtOctober 9, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have tested positive for COVID today. How long should I be in quarantine, and is it required to do the test again? If so, when should I take the test?

Answered by Dr. Nagaraj

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

As per the guidelines, you should isolate yourself for two weeks to prevent spreading the infection. A re-test is usually recommended two to three days before completing isolation. It is equally important that you watch out for symptoms like severe cough, breathlessness, continuous fever, etc. Also, monitor your oxygen saturation levels (level of oxygen in the blood) at least two times daily, which should be anywhere between 95 % to 100 %, and seek medical help if it goes below this.

I hope this helps.

Take care.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Is there be a possibility that I could test positive due to the remnants of the infection though I am no longer contagious?

Answered by Dr. Nagaraj

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

That could happen in some cases, wherein the patient is entirely asymptomatic (free of any symptoms of the disease) still test positive due to the remnant infection or reinfection; that is uncommon. It is better to repeat the test after five to seven days in such cases.

I hope this helps.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Nagaraj
Dr. Nagaraj

Diabetology

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