What is the best way to protect myself from COVID and Long COVID?

The best way to protect yourself is to get vaccinated. The CDC recommends everyone ages 5 years and older get a COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against COVID-19 (children aged 5-17 should receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine). Additionally, they recommend that everyone 12 years and older should get a COVID-19 booster shot. Visit https://www.vaccines.gov to find a U.S. vaccination center near you. Other best practices include wearing a mask around others and avoiding crowded environments. The only way to avoid Long COVID is to not get COVID.

If I have COVID, how long do I need to isolate and stay away from others?

The CDC’s present guidance states that people with COVID-19 should be isolated for at least 10 days after symptom onset and until 24 hours after their fever subsides without the use of fever-reducing medications.

How long will I test positive for COVID-19?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that people can continue to test positive for up to 3 months after diagnosis and not be infectious to others. The latest research suggests that often people are infectious, or able to transmit COVID to others, for 10 days after symptoms begin and no longer than 20 days in people with severe illness or those who are severely immunocompromised.

If I have had COVID-19, will I be immune in the future?

It is possible to get COVID-19 more than once. Early data suggests that the omicron variant is more likely to reinfect someone than other variants. Some research also suggests that unvaccinated individuals are also more likely to be reinfected.

Where can I find information about the COVID variants?

The CDC provides updated information about variants in the US. Find information about the omicron variant here.

If I received the vaccine, can I get COVID?

Yes, people who are vaccinated can still get COVID, particularly the omicron variant. If you have been vaccinated and are experiencing COVID symptoms, please get tested immediately for your safety and the safety of others.

Is it possible to test positive for the virus and have no symptoms?

Yes.

If I have no symptoms, can I still pass the virus to others?

Yes. Asymptomatic people, people who do not show or experience symptoms, can still transmit the virus to others.

Why am I still testing positive for COVID-19 when I have no more symptoms?

Researchers do not have a definitive answer to this question. It is possible that you are still contagious. It is also possible that the diagnostic tests are detecting dead virus that is still in your system.

Is it possible that people living in the same household will not all get the virus, even if one person is very sick?

This seems to happen. Scientists and researchers do not yet know why. It is also very possible to get the virus from someone you are living with, so masking and strict quarantine are important. Some of the new strains of COVID are thought to be more easily transferred, so it is important to take precautions.

Is it possible my symptoms were caused by another disease, such as the flu or Lyme Disease?

Yes, other diseases present with similar symptoms to COVID-19. In winter months, the flu is prevalent. Please consider getting a flu shot to protect yourself from getting the flu.

In summer months, you have an increased chance of contracting Lyme Disease from the bite of an infected deer tick. There are over 300,000 new cases of Lyme Disease reported each year in the United States. Social distancing has led to people spending more time at parks, in gardens and on walks in their neighborhoods and nearby woods — potentially putting them at an even higher risk for Lyme Disease. Some symptoms of Lyme Disease are similar to the initial symptoms of COVID-19. Symptoms of both diseases include flu-like symptoms of fever, severe fatigue, malaise, chills, sweats, body/muscle aches and headaches.

Lyme Disease can also present with a distinct large, expanding, bull’s eye-looking rash, whereas COVID-19 rash presentations may include patchy red lesions that more resemble measles, chicken pox or frostbite. Daily tick checks are helpful in avoiding Lyme Disease. It is important to take this preventative measure and be on the lookout for early signs of Lyme Disease. Pesticides may also be applied to clothing to repel ticks if you are in a high risk environment. Click here for more information about how to distinguish Lyme Disease from COVID-19.

However, please note that if you are experiencing any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 (sore throat, fever, fatigue, chills, cough, body aches, headache, etc.), you should isolate and get tested as soon as possible to determine whether or not COVID is the cause.