It has been several months since there has been an uptick in cases of COVID in the area. Statewide, as of April, there have been more than 1.3 million cases reported in Oklahoma and more than 16,000 deaths attributed to the virus.
Since the initial pandemic, though, much has been learned about the disease, how to avoid it and what the best treatment options for it are. Those treatments and community protection protocols have changed significantly since 2020.
These days, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta suggest whether you have been vaccinated, if you have or suspect you may have the virus, you isolate yourself from others.
A negative test requires no further steps other than what you would normally do when ill. A positive test requires full isolation recommendations, even if you have no symptoms. They include staying home for at least five days, beginning with the first full day after a positive test. You should not travel and you should wear a mask if you are around others, at home or in public. You should stay home as much as possible, and while home don’t share cups, towels or utensils.
If you had no symptoms or only mild symptoms, isolation can end after five days. If the symptoms are improving, it can end after five days or when you are fever free for 24 hours.
If the virus had a more severe effect, meaning shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or if you were hospitalized or have a weakened immune system, the isolation protocols are different.
In those cases, the suggestions are to isolate for at least 10 full days and consult your doctor before ending isolation.
In either case, sufferers should wear a mask indoors and in public, and avoid persons who could be seriously ill if infected with COVID.
Antigen tests could be helpful when deciding whether to remove your mask. Two such tests with negative results 48 hours apart may allow you to remove your mask earlier than day 10.
For more information on COVID suggestions and protocols, go to CDC. gov/ Coronavirus, check with your healthcare provider or the county health department. Those same sources can advise on where shots for COVID and the flu are available.