• Staying home to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses

    Recommendations for the public from MA Department of Public Health 

    If you have symptoms of a respiratory virus (isolation)

    If you have new symptoms of a respiratory virus, such as a fever, sore throat, cough or a runny or stuffy nose, you should stay home and stay away from others in your household.

    While you are staying at home:

    • Get tested for COVID-19 and flu. Talk to your healthcare provider about getting treatment if you test positive.
    • Stay away from others in your household. Wear a mask when you have to be around them.
    • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
    • Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.  Use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands.
    • Clean high tough surfaces (such as countertops, handrails, and doorknobs) often.

    You should stay home even if you don’t know what virus is making you sick. 

    When you start to feel better:

    You may begin to resume normal activities with precautions if: 

    1. You have not had a fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines; AND 
    2. Your other symptoms are improving.

    You may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick, even if you are feeling better. 

    For at least the first 5 days after you resume normal activities, take these extra precautions:
    • Avoid crowded indoor spaces. Wear a mask anytime you are indoors around other people. 
    • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
    • Avoid spending time with people who are at an increased risk of severe disease.

    If your symptoms get worse again: 

    If your fever comes back or any other symptoms start to get worse, you should go back home until you are better again. Wait to resume normal activities until you have not had a fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines AND your symptoms are improving again. When you resume normal activities, take the recommended additional precautions during the next 5 days:

    • Avoid crowded indoor spaces
    • Wear a mask indoors around other people
    • Wash your hands often
    • Cover your coughs and sneezes