Over the past two years, we’ve all become familiar with self-isolation, social distancing and other forms of preventing the spread of Covid-19. Now that the world is getting back to normal and we have a better grip on this virus, the question is – when should you be self-isolating?
Of course, getting tested when you feel unwell is the best way to be sure and if you test positive, you should most definitely be isolating. Research the difference between a PCR vs rapid test and decide which would be best in your circumstances, and get yourself tested just to be sure.
However, if you’re not sure yet if you’re positive, you might be wondering if you should stay home. Here are a few signs you should remain on your own to be safe.
You’ve Been in Contact With Someone
If someone you know tests positive for Covid-19 and you’ve recently been in close contact with them, there is a large chance they may have spread the virus onto you as well.
Even if you don’t have any symptoms, you should self-isolate if you’ve been in contact with someone who is ill. If you feel completely fine even after a few days, you could get a PCR test to rule out the notion that you might have the virus. Once your test comes back negative, you’ll be free to venture out into society safely again. However, if your test is positive, you’ll of course need to stay home and recover.
You Were Recently at an Event
Large numbers of people can be infected by just one or two individuals in a phenomenon that is known as a super spreader event. This most commonly occurs where large numbers of people are gathered, like at concerts, markets, weddings and other kinds of parties, celebrations or get-togethers.
If you’ve been to an event like this and begin to feel flu-like symptoms or find out that people you mingled with there have tested positive for Covid-19, you should consider self-isolating until you receive a negative test, just to be safe.
You’ve Been Travelling
Even if you have a fit to fly certificate (and everyone around you should too), there’s still always a chance you were in contact with the virus. If you’ve recently come back from a trip and feel symptoms that could be related to Covid-10, this is most likely a sign that you should be self-isolating.
You Have a Fever or Other Symptoms
A fever is one of the surest markers of Covid-19 (though it can be indicative of many other health problems too). If you have a fever and any other common Covid-19 symptoms, you might need to self-isolate until you can get tested.
These flu-like symptoms could be indicative of many less serious health issues, but for the sake of being respectful towards others and preventing the potential spread of the virus, it’s always best to remain in isolation until you’re completely certain whether or not you’re negative.
