Quarantine and Isolation
Quarantine and isolation are ways to protect the public from diseases that could:
Isolation is when you are sick and have to stay home and away from healthy people. Quarantine is when you have to stay home for a certain amount of time after being around a sick person. This is to see if you become sick.
What diseases do I need to quarantine or isolate for?
You may need to quarantine or isolate if you have been diagnosed or around someone with:
Cholera.
Diphtheria.
Infectious TB (tuberculosis).
Plague.
Smallpox.
Yellow fever.
Viral hemorrhagic fevers, such as Marburg, Ebola, and Crimean-Congo.
Severe acute respiratory syndromes, such as COVID-19.
Flu that can cause a pandemic.
Measles.
When should I quarantine?
You should quarantine when you've been in close contact with someone who has, or is thought to have, a contagious disease. Close contact means you've been less than 6 ft (1.8 m) away from the person for 15 minutes or more within a 24-hour period.
When should I isolate?
You should isolate when:
You are sick with a contagious disease.
You test positive for a contagious disease, even if you don't have symptoms.
You are sick and think you have a contagious disease.
Get tested if you think you have a contagious disease.
If your test results are negative, you can stop isolation. Sometimes, two negative tests are needed.
If your test results are positive, isolate as told by your health care provider or health officials.
Follow these instructions at home:
Medicines
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Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines as told by your provider.
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If you were prescribed antibiotics, take them as told by your provider. Do not stop using the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.
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Stay up to date on your vaccines. Get vaccines and booster shots as recommended.
Lifestyle
When you're in quarantine or isolation:
Wear a high-quality and well-fitted mask if you must be around others at home or in public.
Do not get close to people who may get very sick.
Use a bathroom that you don't have to share with others, if you can.
Do not share personal items like cups, towels, and eating utensils.
Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often.
Improve the air flow in your home by opening a window or door. This may stop the disease from spreading to others.
General instructions
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Do not travel if you are in quarantine or isolation. Travel only when your provider or health officials say it's okay.
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Call your provider or health department if you need advice on how to care for yourself.
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Talk to your provider if you are immunocompromised. This means your body cannot fight infections easily. Your body may not respond as well to vaccines.
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If you are sick, closely watch your symptoms. Follow instructions from your provider. You may be told to rest, drink fluids, and take medicine.
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Follow guidelines for quarantine and isolation, especially if you are in a place where diseases can spread easily and quickly. These places include jails, homeless shelters, and cruise ships.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
cdc.gov
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
