positive for the coronavirus or had symptoms, according to the study.
The results were published recently in the journal Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
The study sought to document coronavirus air contamination under typical daily living conditions in a household with an infected person.
Airborne transmission in crowded living conditions may be one reason for higher rates of COVID infection among people with lower incomes, according to the researchers.
RELATED: What to do if Your Rapid Antigen Test Comes Back Positive After Isolation
What to do for isolation
“Risk of infection from larger respiratory droplets that rapidly settle onto surfaces, typically within two meters of the source, can be reduced by hand-washing, social distancing and face masks, but the tiny respiratory particles that stay suspended in air for hours, require air filtration, ventilation or better masks for prevention,” Kipen shares.
According to the CDC, anyone that is sick or infected should separate from others, or wear a well-fitting mask when they need to be around others for at least 5 full days (day 0 is the first day of symptoms or the date of the day of the positive viral test for asymptomatic persons).
The CDC offers the following tips if you or someone in your household is self-isolating:
- Monitor your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately.
- Stay in a separate room from other household members, if possible.
- Use a separate bathroom, if possible.
- Take steps to improve ventilation at home, if possible.
- Avoid contact with other members of the household and pets.
- Don’t share personal household items, like cups, towels, and utensils.
- Wear a well-fitting mask when you need to be around other people.