If you would like a chart version of the isolation/quarantine scenarios, click here.

You are COVID-19 positive

A positive result with either a PCR or a Rapid Antigen test is considered a valid result.

Quick Summary

  • You are COVID-19 positive. A PCR or Rapid Antigen test result are both valid.
  • Presence or absence of symptoms does not change a positive status.
  • Vaccination status does not change a positive status.
  • Isolate for 10 days from your test date if you are asymptomatic. If you started symptoms before the test or develop symptoms after, isolate 10 days from the start of symptoms.
  • There are no options for a shorter isolation time.
  • There is no need to test again.
  • Isolation ends when a minimum of 10 days have passed AND symptoms have improved AND you are free of fever for more than 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medicines.

What should I do?

You should isolate for 10 days from the day you started symptoms or from your positive test date if you are asymptomatic. If symptoms develop during your asymptomatic 10 day isolation, you should restart the 10 day isolation from the first day of symptoms.

Additional details
Isolation times start from the start of your positive test date only if you remain asymptomatic throughout the isolation period. If you initiate isolation from your test date and then you subsequently develop symptoms, your 10 day isolation time restarts from the first day of symptoms. For either scenario, you must also be free of fever (without using fever-reducing medication) for at least 24 hours AND symptoms must be improving to end isolation.

“As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people and pets in your home. If possible, you should use a separate bathroom. If you need to be around other people or animals in or outside of the home, wear a mask. Tell your close contacts that they may have been exposed to COVID-19. An infected person can spread COVID-19 starting 48 hours (or 2 days) before the person has any symptoms or tests positive. By letting your close contacts know they may have been exposed to COVID-19, you are helping to protect everyone.” -CDC

What is my treatment plan?

If you have any symptoms, treatment plans will be similar to cold/flu virus infections.

Additional details

  • Fever – Fever is a natural part of fighting a virus and does not need to be reduced unless there is discomfort. Your motto should be “treat the child, not the fever.” You can take ibuprofen (≥6 months old) and/or Tylenol as needed for discomfort. Call if fever reaches ≥106.
  • Cough/congestion – Use suction/saline, cold mist humidifier, sit in a steamy room, and keep head elevated whenever possible for cough and congestion. You can also give warm water with honey and/or lemon to treat coughs for children older than 1 year of age. We do not recommend the use of cough and congestion medicines.
  • Vomit/diarrhea – Vomiting may be monitored for up to 48 hours as long as there is no blood or bile present. Make sure that you are staying hydrated and perform the rehydration cycle for excessive vomiting. Diarrhea can be monitored for up to 2 weeks as long as there is no blood. Make sure you are mindful of preventing diaper rash if there is excessive diarrhea.
  • Seek medical attention if there is a fever ≥101 for ≥3 days (or any fever ≥100.4 in children less than 3 months old), respiratory distress, dehydration symptoms, or lethargy.

Do I need to schedule an appointment?

In most cases, you may be able to monitor and treat at home. Seek medical attention if there is a fever ≥101 for ≥3 days (or any fever ≥100.4 in children less than 3 months old), respiratory distress, dehydration symptoms, or lethargy. You may also need an appointment if your school is requiring a note. Please see the “How do I get a Return to School note?” section below.

Scheduling an appointment

If an appointment at Pediatric Care Group P.A. is needed, because you are COVID-19 positive we have modified visit options for the safety of you, our other patients, and our staff.

  • Telemedicine visits – These visits occur through a video chat. You can call our front desk staff to schedule this appointment.
  • Car visits – If the doctor thinks that an in-person visit is warranted, we may have you park in front of our building and the doctor will come out to you. Call and speak to our medical assistant staff to see if the doctor will approve this type of visit.
  • End-of-day visits – If the doctor thinks that an in-person visit in the office is warranted, we may have you wait in the hallway at the end of our business hours and call you in directly to the closest room available. Call and speak to our medical assistant staff to see if the doctor will approve this type of visit.

Should I test?

There is no need to test again after you have completed your isolation. You are exempt from testing and quarantining for 3 months after your positive test day as long as you do not develop new symptoms. If you do develop new symptoms contact your doctor.

Can my isolation end sooner?

There are no options to end isolation sooner after a positive COVID-19 test result.

What about my family?

For those who are living with someone in isolation for COVID-19, they are likely a primary high risk exposure and may need to quarantine and/or mask depending on their vaccination status (click here to use our COVID-19 Self-Assessment for specific family member exposure guidelines and recommendations).

When am I cleared?

After a minimum of 10 days have passed AND symptoms have improved AND you are free of fever for more than 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medicines.

How do I get a Return to School note?

Ask your school for their specific return requirements. Once you have completed isolation, if you require a school note, please email Pediatric Care Group P.A. with the following information:

  • Name
  • Date of Birth
  • Pediatrician name
  • Start date of symptoms (if any)
  • Date positive test was taken
  • Are you currently free of fever?
  • Have your symptoms improved?

You should receive a response within 1 business day.

COVID-19 FAQ

This COVID-19 Self-Assessment does not replace professional medical advice, but can guide you on quarantining and isolation guidelines. Parents should help answer for children. Each member of the family can take this Self-Assessment to determine their specific quarantine/isolation guidelines. You may retake this self-evaluation at anytime during your quarantine if circumstances change.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or go to a pediatric emergency room.

By clicking the link below, you are acknowledging that this tool is used for guidance only and does not replace professional medical advice.

Restart Assesment