New and persistent symptoms, is COVID still a pandemic? – NBC Chicago

As reinfection rates increase as the omicron BA.5 subvariant continues its grip, questions about whether symptoms can persist or reinfection are growing.

Chicago’s top doctor answered these questions and more.

Here’s what you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic in Illinois today:

How long are you contagious with COVID-19? Here’s what to know when the BA.5 subvariant is circulating

Have you recently experienced an episode of COVID-19, but are still testing positive despite federal isolation and masking recommendations? With the rapid expansion of the BA.5 subvariant, people can receive positive test results even longer than with other subvariants.

If you test positive after the period of isolation and mask use, does that mean you are still contagious?

Learn more here.

Is it still COVID? Here’s what to know if you’re experiencing long-lasting symptoms

For some people, symptoms of COVID-19 may only last a few days. But it’s not the same for everyone, as symptoms can last for weeks or potentially linger for months.

With the number of cases still rising, some may wonder if those cold or allergy symptoms they are experiencing are in fact COVID. Also, with the presence of new variants such as BA.5 and BA.2.75, could the symptoms last longer than before?

Learn more here.

When are you most contagious with COVID and how long can you spread it?

As COVID-19 cases increase with the emergence of new variants, you may be wondering how long the virus can persist.

The latest guidelines from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention recommend people who contract COVID-19 isolate for at least five days, followed by five days of strict mask use.

Despite the duration of positivity and contagiousness of the BA.4 and BA.5 omicron subvariants, Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said she does not anticipate changes in the isolation or quarantine protocols. She noted, however, that some people stay positive for longer.

Learn more here.

Is COVID still a pandemic? Chicago’s top doctor speaks out

COVID-19 has been around for two years and counts, but is it still considered a pandemic?

Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady says COVID-19 continues to be a “major pandemic” as more infections occur in the city – and around the world – with the spread of new variants.

Learn more here.

Should you take a test before leaving post-COVID isolation? Here’s what doctors and the CDC say

As the omicron BA.5 and BA.2.75 subvariants spread across the country, more COVID-19 infections are occurring, raising questions about the latest guidelines and whether the recommendations have changed according to the new sub-variants.

When it comes to isolation, the advice remains the same regardless of what strain a person has contracted, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those who test positive for COVID-19 are asked to self-isolate for five days, with day 0 being the day symptoms started. As long as the symptoms have improved, the isolation can end after the fifth day.

Learn more here.