Rizwana Khan, MD Internal Medicine
COVID-19 Guidelines: What to Do in 2025
Rapid tests remain a vital tool in the medicine cabinet for ongoing infection cycles of COVID-19. Be sure to stay stocked up.
What Should You Do If You Test Positive for COVID-19 in April 2025?
According to the latest CDC guidance:
1. Stay Home While Sick
Regardless of the test result, individuals who feel unwell—especially with symptoms consistent with COVID-19—should stay home and avoid contact with others. This is particularly important during the first few days of illness when transmission is most likely.
2. Isolation Starts When Symptoms Begin
Isolation is now based on symptom onset rather than the date of a positive test. If you develop symptoms and later test positive, count your isolation from the first day of symptoms.
If you’re asymptomatic and test positive, begin isolation the day of your test.
3. Duration of Isolation
You should remain at home and isolate until:
- You have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
- Your symptoms are mild and clearly improving.
There is no strict day count (e.g., five or ten days). Instead, isolation ends based on improvement, not a fixed timeline.
4. Masking After Isolation
The CDC advises wearing a high-quality mask for an additional five days after returning to public activities to minimize the risk of spreading the virus to others.
5. No Retesting Required
There is no recommendation to test again after a positive result unless directed by a healthcare provider.
Who Should Still Be Cautious?
Even with milder variants and widespread vaccination, certain populations remain at greater risk:
- Adults over 65
- People with chronic conditions (diabetes, heart disease, lung disease)
- Immunocompromised individuals
These groups should:
- Isolate diligently if infected
- Mask consistently in crowded indoor settings
- Stay up to date on booster shots
Prevention Still Matters
COVID-19 has transitioned from a global crisis to a manageable respiratory illness, but simple public health practices remain useful:
- Vaccinate: The 2024–2025 vaccine is tailored to dominant variants like XEC.
- Test smart: Use rapid home tests if exposed or symptomatic.
- Ventilate: Improve airflow in indoor spaces.
- Practice hygiene: Handwashing and cough etiquette are as important as ever.