When To End Isolation? Is It Safe To Use ACs At Home: 7 FAQs About COVID Recovery Answered

As India continues to battle rise in COVID cases, citizens are baffled with various questions. Some of the frequently asked questions are -- can a person be re-infected with COVID-19? What do you do if you feel the symptoms persist? Can you get COVID-19 infection without ever coming in contact with an infected person?

Health experts at Medanta Medical Institution in Gurgaon answer these frequently asked questions (FAQs) about recovering from COVID. Take a look:

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Q: What do I do if my symptoms persist?

Recovery period is different from person to person. Don¡¯t worry, take advice from your consultant for further treatment and follow-up.

Q: When is it safe for me to end isolation?

Talk to your doctor. In general, you can resume contact with other people after:

? You have had three days without fever, AND

? It has been at least 17 days since you first experienced symptoms, AND

? Your symptoms are improving. If you have a suppressed immune system or other special conditions, your doctor may recommend a longer period of isolation and/or further testing.

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Q: When can I resume my office duty?

You can resume your work routine after:

? At least 17 days since you first experienced symptoms

? You have recovered from symptoms and regained energy levels

Q: I was not tested again after the first COVID positive test - do I need to worry that I may still be positive and infect others?

Someone who has completed quarantine or has been released from isolation is not in the infective period and does not pose a risk of infection to other people and does not need to be tested again.

Q: Can I get re-infected with COVID-19?

Most people who are infected with the COVID-19 virus, whether or not they have symptoms, produce antibodies (proteins that fight infections) and fighter cells. For those recovered, the chances of reinfection appear to be very low in the first three months after the initial infection. And it's possible that even after that, the low levels of antibodies may be able to protect against reinfection.

Q: Can I get COVID infection without ever being in close contact of a COVID positive person?

Yes, you can. Recent studies indicate that COVID can spread through tiny droplets that remain suspended in the air for long. In closed spaces with inadequate ventilation, a COVID positive person can leave such tiny droplets hanging in the air which can be circulated by the air-conditioning systems. Hence, wearing a mask at all times is important.

Q: How can we use air conditioning/room coolers safely at home?

? A temperature between 24-30C should be maintained while operating ACs at home.

? While, a relative humidity level of 40% to 70% is considered to be the most suitable as it decreases problems from pathogens.

? Recirculation of cool air by room air conditioners, must be accompanied by outdoor air intake through slightly open windows and exhaust by natural exfiltration.

? Centralized air conditioning should be avoided if infected and non infected persons live in the same house. Individual air conditioning units should be used in separate rooms.

? Evaporative cooler tanks must be kept clean and disinfected and the water drained and refilled frequently.

? Windows must be kept open to release humid air.

? Portable evaporative coolers that do not draw outdoor air are not recommended, since their cooling reduces with humidity rising inside the space.

Disclaimer: The aim of the video, article, post is not to dispense medical advice. If you or anyone around you are exhibiting any symptoms do consult a medical health professional.