COVID Contagion: Rising Cases and Hospitalizations in Hotspot States

The duration of COVID-19 contagion depends on various factors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regardless of vaccination status, individuals who test positive should isolate for at least five days and isolate from others in their home. The CDC provides guidelines for calculating the isolation period based on symptoms and test results. Those with mild symptoms can end isolation after day five if they are fever-free for 24 hours, while those with more severe illnesses may need to wait until day 10. It is important to continue avoiding close contact and wearing masks through at least day 11, even after ending isolation. Testing is recommended for symptomatic individuals, and those without symptoms but potential exposure should wait five days before testing. It is also advised to check the expiration dates of at-home test kits before using them.