(Seguin) — Not sure what to do after you’ve received a positive COVID test. If so, you’re not alone. As COVID cases continue to rise, there’s more confusion about what you should do after you receive that positive test result.
A local physician is trying to make it clearer for everyone when it comes to what you should do after testing positive.
Dr. Bob Stephens, of Cornerstone Pediatrics in Seguin, says there’s been some conflicting information about the response to positive tests. He says no matter your vaccination status, you need to isolate yourself to help reduce the spread.
“If you have tested positive or your child has tested positive for COVID-19, whether or not you or your child have been vaccinated does not matter. The recommendation is the same which is you stay at home for at least five days. You isolate in your house and if there are other people in the house, wear a good fitting mask,” said Dr. Stephens.
Dr. Stephens says essentially you need to stay in isolation until you start to feel better and are fever-free.
“If after five days, you have been without fever for 24 hours, then you can come out of isolation but continue to wear a mask for another five days. If you are still ill, you need to stay in isolation until your fever goes away for 24 hours. That’s pretty straight forward and if we follow those guidelines together, we will be able to limit the spread of COVID in our community and keep kids and adults out of the hospital,” said Dr. Stephens.
There have also been lots of questions from people who live with someone that’s tested positive, but they themselves are negative. That question, in particular, has been asked by lots of parents who are dealing with kids who have tested positive for the virus. Dr. Stephens says isolation is not required if you have tested negative.
“If immunized and without symptoms, parents should mask but can go about their business. If they develop symptoms, they should isolate and get tested,” said Stephens.
Dr. Stephens’ comments were made as part of a regular series of COVID-related videos that’s he’s been posting to his social media pages.
Meanwhile, people are still being encouraged to get vaccinated and boosted if appropriate. You’re also encouraged to wear a mask and practice social distancing when possible.