Case and Contact Tracing
Retesting is generally not recommended in order return to work or school after isolation because people can test positive for a little while as the test can detect dead virus. This doesn’t mean you are still contagious. You can return to work when you are feeling better. This means:
- Isolate until you have no fever and your symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if you have gastro-intestinal symptoms).
- After isolating, wear a high quality, well-fitted mask when out in public for 10 days from when your symptoms started.
- Avoid non-essential visits to vulnerable individuals at risk of severe infection and highest risk settings (e.g., hospitals, long-term care) for 10 days from when your symptoms started.
- Avoid activities that require mask removal in public (e.g., dining out, high contact sports).
- Follow this advice whether you have tested for COVID or not.
Long-COVID
Some people continue to experience symptoms of COVID-19 for weeks or months after their initial recovery. This can be termed Post COVID-19 Condition or Long-COVID. Post COVID-19 condition is not COVID-19. Symptoms can be quite different from those during the initial infection. It refers to the longer-term effects some people experience after their COVID-19 illness.
While many symptoms have been identified for Long-COVID, the most common include fatigue, shortness of breath, pain, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression. For some, the symptoms last for four to five weeks after the initial symptoms. For others the symptoms continue for 12 weeks for more.
Being up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccine decreases the risk of developing Long-COVID.
Here is a short video from the World Health Organization on Long-COVID: WHO’s Science in 5 on COVID-19: Post COVID-19 condition – 30 July 2021 – YouTube
If you feel you are experiencing symptoms of Long-COVID – contact your primary care provider directly. You can use the links below to learn more about how this condition is being assessed, diagnosed and managed.