After a COVID-19 infection, knowing when it is safe to resume close physical contact like kissing is crucial for preventing further transmission and protecting others. Following public health guidance ensures well-being for both the infected individual and their close contacts.
Understanding COVID-19 Contagiousness
The virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, primarily spreads through respiratory droplets released when an infected person breathes, speaks, coughs, or sneezes. These droplets can be inhaled by others or land on surfaces. Individuals can begin to be contagious even before symptoms appear, typically one to two days prior to symptom onset.
Highest contagiousness typically occurs during the first few days of illness, often around day four after symptoms begin. While many are no longer infectious after five days, the virus can be transmitted for up to ten days from symptom onset. Individuals with severe illness or weakened immune systems might remain contagious longer.
Guidelines for Ending Isolation
Public health recommendations advise individuals with COVID-19 to stay home until specific criteria are met. Isolation can end when at least 24 hours have passed since a fever resolved without medication. Additionally, other symptoms, such as cough or shortness of breath, should be improving.
After meeting these criteria, additional precautions are recommended for five more days. These include wearing a well-fitting mask, maintaining physical distance, and practicing good hand hygiene. For those with severe illness or who are immunocompromised, isolation may extend up to 20 days or longer, as viral shedding can persist.
Rapid antigen tests can help confirm reduced contagiousness, especially for those considering ending isolation earlier than ten days. If a rapid antigen test taken around day five is still positive, it indicates continued infectiousness, and isolation should continue. Healthcare providers might recommend serial testing with negative results before discontinuing isolation.
Considering Others’ Health and Vulnerability
Consider the health and vulnerability of the person with whom you intend to have close contact. Immunocompromised, elderly, or those with underlying medical conditions face a higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness and may remain infectious longer due to prolonged viral shedding. Their immune systems may not respond as effectively, even if vaccinated.
While vaccination significantly reduces risk of severe illness, hospitalization, or death, it does not eliminate the possibility of infection or transmission. Open communication with partners about recent illness and their comfort levels is important. Delaying close contact, even if isolation criteria are met, is considerate if the other person is highly vulnerable or expresses discomfort.