When Alicia Nally tested positive to COVID-19 recently, she actively spent time looking for information on to do next.
Unlike an earlier infection, years ago, isolation is no longer legally required.
Alicia turned to the state government advice and returned to work when she was no longer symptomatic. It helped that she works in communications for a medical research company — who are "really vigilant in following all the rules".
According to the World Health Organization, at the time of writing, cases are on the rise.
So, whether you've caught it for the first time or the third time, we asked the experts what you should do after testing positive.
Can you go out if you have COVID-19?
Chief medical officer at Healthdirect Australia Nirvana Luckraj says if you have tested positive "you should stay at home until all of your acute symptoms have gone".
She says acute symptoms include wheezing, coughing and a sore throat.
"If you still have acute symptoms like a cough after seven days, you may still be infectious. You should continue to wear a mask and physically distance whenever possible."
"You should also avoid contact with household members, if possible," Dr Luckraj warns.
"If you must leave home, you should wear a face mask and keep away from others."
Tips for isolating at home when living with others
Dr Luckraj says if you have COVID-19 you should isolate from other members of your household as much as possible.
Regularly clean high touch surfaces, which include doorknobs, remotes and benchtops, "thoroughly with detergent and warm water".
"If you're living in an apartment building … avoiding using shared facilities."
Chair in epidemiology at Deakin University Professor Catherine Bennett says "ventilation is important".
She says increasing ventilation — doing things like opening doors and windows — is particularly important if you share a smaller house or apartment which makes isolating more challenging.
She says you should also wear a mask if you have to be in the same room as family.
Professor Bennett also recommends the "COVID sneeze etiquette" of sneezing or coughing into your elbow. And "washing and sanitising hands remains important" both within and beyond the home.
What should your close contacts and household members do?
Healthdirect says close contacts — which generally includes household members — should "follow the close contact recommendations of the state or territory".
When it comes to tricky situations where you might have to decide what contact non-positive household members have with others, Professor Bennett says "have the conversation".
For example, when deciding if symptomless kids should still visit a friend, speak with the other parents.
She says just try and manage the number of people with close exposure in "a sensible way".
When can I go back to work after having COVID?
Dr Luckraj recommends checking with your employer — or your child's school or the state education department — for further guidance before returning.
"Guidance on return to work or return to school does vary by individual institutions," she says.
Professor Bennett says if possible "24 or 48 hours after your symptoms disappear is probably a reasonable guess as to when you're least infectious".
She says if you're able to work from home, make the most of it. But if you have to leave the house when you have symptoms, wear a mask.
You can also "do a RAT test and if the test is negative and your symptoms are down, you're probably okay".
Consider wearing a mask
Professor Bennett says "it's definitely time to dust off masks", whether to help reduce risk at home if someone gets COVID-19, or on public transport or inside busy stores.
Even if you've had COVID-19 and your symptoms have eased, she recommends wearing a mask for a few days, particularly if you're visiting someone who is vulnerable or you work in aged care.
She also says if you have symptoms you should wear a mask, "whether you're testing negative or not, because it still could be COVID, or it could be a nasty cold or flu".
This is general information only. For detailed personal advice, you should see a qualified medical practitioner who knows your medical history.
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2024-06-12 21:45:00Z
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