I’ve tested positive for COVID-19. What does it mean to isolate?

Self-isolating can be challenging because it means:

• staying home unless seeking medical care
• staying in a separate room and using a separate bathroom from others in your home, if possible
• avoiding touching common items and surfaces; cleaning and disinfecting surfaces you touch often, such as phones, doorknobs and toilets
• washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. dry with a disposable paper towel, or be sure to replace a reusable towel when it gets wet.

How long do I need to self-isolate after testing positive for COVID-19?

It’s possible to spread COVID-19 to others, even when you don’t have symptoms. People who have tested positive for COVID-19 should:

• stay home for at least 5 days after a positive test if they do not have symptoms or 5 days after their symptoms started, AND
• stay home at least 24 hours after fever is gone (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and symptoms improve.
• wear a well-fitting mask for five more days and monitor for symptoms.

Even if you don’t have symptoms or feel sick, self-isolate for at least 5 days after you are diagnosed with COVID-19.

What’s the difference between isolation and quarantine?

Quarantine keeps someone who has been exposed to COVID-19 away from others. It helps keep people from spreading the virus before they know they are sick or in case they have COVID-19, but have no symptoms.

Exposure to COVID-19 is defined as close contact, meaning you spent 15 or more minutes within 6 feet of someone who is positive for COVID-19.

When would I need to quarantine and for how long?

If you are fully up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations and don’t have any symptoms, you do not need to quarantine after an exposure.

If you are unvaccinated or not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, quarantine for a least 5 days while closely watching for symptoms. If you develop symptoms, isolate yourself from others and seek COVID-19 testing.

Does Sunset offer COVID-19 testing?

For established patients who are symptomatic or have had a direct exposure to COVID-19, rapid and PCR testing is available. Right now, a lot of people are looking for testing and resources are extremely limited. Please visit our COVID-19 Testing page for information on testing at Sunset and in the community.

I’m not able to find COVID-19 testing. What should I do?

The Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 testing website has a great search function to locate testing near you. You can also visit Sunset’s COVID-19 testing page to locate resources in the community.

If you have symptoms and cannot find a test, assume that you have COVID-19 and stay home and self-isolate for 5 days.

If you do not have symptoms and have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19:

• If you are unvaccinated or are not up-to-date* with your booster and vaccines: Quarantine yourself for 5 days from the date of exposure, and then wear a well-fitting mask for the next 5 days any time you are around others.
• If you are up to date* with your booster and vaccines: You do not need to quarantine if you are a close contact. Wear a well-fitting mask around others and watch yourself for symptoms for 10 days.

*You are up to date on your booster and vaccines if you: Have been boosted OR have completed your vaccine doses of Pfizer or Moderna within the last 5 months OR J&J within the last 2 months.

I’ve tested positive on an at-home test. Do I need further tests to confirm?

When reporting positive results, at-home tests, when done correctly, are as accurate as our current in office tests, meaning if you tested positive on an at-home test, that result is considered correct. No further in office testing is recommended and you should follow the self-isolation protocols.

If you tested negative on an at-home test and are experiencing symptoms, it is recommended to re-test with an at-home test 36-72 hours later. If that second test is also negative, it is recommended to remain at home until fever free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and symptoms are improving.

I’ve tested positive for or suspect I may have COVID-19. Can I bring my child in for their well child check?

If you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 and are within your 5 day isolation period, please notify our office so we can reschedule your child’s well visit unless you have another healthy caregiver, who you have authorized to make medical decisions for your child, who could bring your child to their appointment.

If you’ve had a known COVID-19 exposure and are unvaccinated, you should wait until your quarantine period has ended to avoid potentially exposing our staff and physicians during the visit. Please give our office a call so we can reschedule your child’s visit.

If you’ve had a known COVID-19 exposure, are without symptoms, and are fully vaccinated, you can bring your child in for their appointment as normal.

I’ve had COVID-19, should I still get vaccinated? How long should I wait after testing positive before getting the vaccine?

Yes, you should still get vaccinated, even if you had COVID-19.

If you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 and still have symptoms, you should wait until you are feeling well and have completed your isolation period to get the vaccine. If you are between doses, you should still get your second dose but again, wait until you are well and have completed your isolation period.