Bogotá, August 3, 2020. "An infected person may transmit the virus even two days before the onset of symptoms. This person must self-isolate, together with the entire family nucleus," said Carlos Álvarez, national coordinator on covid-19 studies of the World Health Organization, in the Prevention and Action television program for people who test positive for covid-19.
The epidemiologist and infectious disease specialist also explained why people who have been infected should not have a second test when they complete their period of isolation at home.
"Today we know that the person who is infected can transmit the virus two days before the symptoms begin, that is, when the person begins to feel some discomfort, and should be isolated for 10 days after onset of symptoms. After this time, clinically the person is considered recovered, the person has no contagion capacity and will be able to resume activities," he said.
Therefore, he also indicated that the person will have to continue with self-care, but it is not necessary to take a second test or for the employer to request it for the person's return to work.
In addition, the recommendation for people who live with a positive case is "strict isolation," since contagion, according to Álvarez, is occurring by the same members of the family nucleus.
"The first thing we think of is that the one who infected us was a stranger, but usually, the one who infects us is the one who is in contact with me the most. It is important to implement this epidemiological barrier and that means self-isolating at home and making it strict for 10 days; and for the family nucleus for 14 days, since it is the incubation period: from the moment of contact until the moment that could potentially be a transmitter," said the specialist.
He also explained the warning signs that an infected person should bear in mind in order to consider going to medical services: "If there is a persistent fever for three days and begins to choke or have difficulty breathing, it is advisable to consult with health professionals because the person could require emergency service or hospitalization."
