FAQs - BHF

Q: 5. How do I know if I have recovered from COVID-19?

It is important to note that there is a difference between being fully recovered and being ready to come out of isolation. The following criteria are specified for de-isolation of a person who tests positive for COVID-19: Symptomatic patients with mild disease (not requiring hospitalisation) can be de-isolated 10 days after the onset of their symptoms, provided their fever has resolved and their other symptoms are improving. Hospitalised patients with moderate-to-severe disease (who require hospitalisation) can be de-isolated 10 days after achievement of clinical stability (i.e. from when they no longer require supplemental oxygen and are otherwise clinically stable). Asymptomatic patients can be de-isolated 10 days after their test. Repeat PCR testing is not required to de-isolate a patient and is not recommended. It is common for patients to continue to have symptoms for longer than the 10 days. Full recovery may take several weeks for some patients, especially in respect of symptoms such as fatigue, cough and anosmia (loss of sense of smell). Patients who are still symptomatic at the end of their isolation period can be de-isolated provided that their fever has resolved and their other symptoms have shown improvement. Patients admitted to hospital can continue their isolation period at home or at an isolation facility once clinical stability has been achieved. [17]

Q: 4. Can a person who has been infected with coronavirus get infected again?

Yes, maybe with a different strain of the COVID19 Virus. People who have recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection are usually protected from being infected a second time (so-called reinfection). This is because they develop neutralising antibodies that remain in their blood for at least 5-6 months, maybe longer. We now know that these mutations have allowed the virus to become resistant to antibody neutralisation. It is therefore important that people who have previously had COVID-19 continue to adhere to public health measures. Protecting ourselves through masks, regular washing or sanitising of hands, cleaning of surfaces and social distancing remains the best defence against all SARS-CoV-2 viruses, including the new lineage. [16]

Q: 3. How to quarantine at home?

Isolate for 14 days. If possible, stay and sleep alone in a room that has a window with good air flowing through. You can talk to other family members and go outside, but you should stay at least two metres away from everyone at all times. You should not have visitors at your house during this time. One family member should be assigned as your caregiver. This exposes fewer members of your family and also ensures that you and this caregiver can develop good habits so that they do not catch the virus from you. If these procedures are not possible, you should contact your healthcare worker or clinic for alternative options. [15]

Q: 13. Does the Pfizer vaccine work against the Delta variant?

Yes. The two-dose Pfizer vaccine has been shown to reduce a person’s risk of being hospitalised with COVID-19 caused by the new variant by 94% after just one dose. Data from the United Kingdom’s health department show that this protection increases to 96% when someone receives both doses of the jab required to be fully vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. [9]