• Published on: Jan 29, 2022
  • 2 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

Understanding Quarantine

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What Is Quarantine?

Quarantine is the segregation of people who are infected or suspected of being infected with a particular disease.

It is also the isolation of patients with communicable diseases to prevent their spread. The purpose of quarantine is to protect the public from exposure to potentially deadly diseases. Quarantine is for people who don’t have symptoms but who might have been exposed to the coronavirus. The idea is to keep you from unknowingly infecting others.

Who Needs to Quarantine?

You probably don't need to quarantine yourself, but if you are close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus or just got back from a country where this deadly virus is spreading then it's best that we keep our distance until things calm down.

The reason for this is twofold. First, it's important to prevent the spread of the virus. Secondly, it's important to give those who are an infected time to recover without exposing others to the virus.

There are also a few other groups of people who may need to consider quarantining themselves, such as healthcare workers and those who work with livestock. Anyone who’s been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19 should self-quarantine, even if you’ve had the virus before.

“Close contact” means you did one or more of these things:

  • Were within 6 feet of the person for at least 15 minutes
  • Cared for the person at home
  • Touched, hugged, or kissed them
  • Shared eating or drinking utensils with them
  • Got droplets on you when they sneezed or coughed

According to the CDC, you’ll need to quarantine:

  • If You’re 18 or older and have completed the primary series of the recommended vaccines. But you have not received a recommended booster shot after you became eligible.
  • If You received the vaccine over 2 months ago but haven’t received the recommended booster shot.
  • If You’re not vaccinated or haven’t yet completed your first full round of vaccines.

You don’t need to quarantine:

  • If You’re 18 or older and have received all recommended vaccine doses, including boosters and additional shots recommended for immunocompromised people.
  • If You’re 5-17 years old and completed the primary series of COVID-19 vaccines.
  • You had COVID-19 within the last 90 days. This should have been confirmed using a viral test.

However, if you were exposed to someone who tested positive, wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days after exposure.

How to Quarantine at Home

There are a few simple steps you can take to quarantine at home:

1.Sanitize your environment - Make sure to clean all surfaces and objects in your home that may have meet the disease. You can use a disinfectant or bleach solution to do this.

2.Isolate yourself - You should isolate yourself from other people in your home and avoid contact with anyone who may be infected.

3.Monitor your symptoms - Be on the lookout for any symptoms of the disease and report them immediately to your doctor.

4.Stay hydrated - Make sure to drink plenty of fluids to help keep your body healthy and fight off any potential infections.

How Long Does Quarantine Last?

Stay home for at least 5 days after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19. Wear masks when around others so that you do not pass on the infection to them!

For 10 days after your last close contact with someone with COVID-19, watch for fever (100.4 F or higher), cough, shortness of breath, or other COVID-19 symptoms.

If you develop symptoms, get tested immediately and isolate until you receive your results. If you test positive, follow isolation recommendations below.

If you don't develop symptoms, get tested at least 5 days after your last exposure. Positive tests allow for limited movement in and out of homes but continue wearing protective gear around others until 10 more are complete."

If you test positive for COVID-19, isolation is necessary. The recommended period of time without contact should be at least 5 days from the date that your symptoms began and may also need to extend beyond 10 if they continue after this length time has passed; however, it’s important not make assumptions about how long an individual will remain infected before developing others signs/symptoms because everyone's situation varies!

When you get the new coronavirus, your quarantine lasts five days because that’s how long it takes to know if you have symptoms. If there are no signs of illness after this time period has passed then treatments for virus should be considered over with just one quick visit from our doctors!

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Symptoms of Chronic Inflammation in the Body: Early Warning Signs Explained

Inflammation is a natural defense mechanism that helps the body fight infections and heal injuries. However, when inflammation persists for months or even years without a clear cause, it becomes chronic. Chronic inflammation can silently damage tissues and increase the risk of serious diseases.

In India, rising cases of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and autoimmune disorders are often linked to long-term inflammatory processes. Recognizing the symptoms of chronic inflammation in the body is essential for early prevention and treatment.

 

What Is Chronic Inflammation?

Acute inflammation is short-term and occurs in response to injury or infection. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, is:

  • Persistent
     

  • Low-grade
     

  • Often symptomatically subtle
     

  • Linked to long-term health conditions
     

It may occur due to unhealthy lifestyle habits, stress, obesity or underlying disease.

 

Common Symptoms of Chronic Inflammation

1. Persistent Fatigue

Ongoing tiredness that does not improve with rest may indicate systemic inflammation.

Inflammatory chemicals in the body can interfere with energy production.

 

2. Joint and Muscle Pain

Unexplained pain, stiffness or swelling in joints may suggest inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

Pain may:

  • Last for weeks
     

  • Worsen in the morning
     

  • Occur without injury
     

 

3. Digestive Issues

Chronic inflammation may affect the gut, leading to:

  • Bloating
     

  • Diarrhea or constipation
     

  • Abdominal discomfort
     

  • Food sensitivities
     

Gut health and immune function are closely connected.

 

4. Frequent Infections

A weakened immune response due to chronic inflammation may result in:

  • Recurrent colds
     

  • Slow wound healing
     

  • Persistent sore throat
     

 

5. Skin Problems

Inflammatory skin conditions include:

  • Acne
     

  • Eczema
     

  • Psoriasis
     

  • Rashes
     

Persistent skin issues may reflect internal inflammation.

 

6. Brain Fog and Mood Changes

Inflammation can affect brain function, causing:

  • Difficulty concentrating
     

  • Memory issues
     

  • Irritability
     

  • Low mood
     

Mental and physical health are interconnected.

 

7. Unexplained Weight Changes

Inflammation may disrupt metabolism, leading to:

  • Abdominal weight gain
     

  • Difficulty losing weight
     

Obesity itself can further promote inflammation.

 

Causes of Chronic Inflammation

Common contributing factors include:

  • Poor diet high in processed foods
     

  • Excess sugar intake
     

  • Smoking
     

  • Alcohol abuse
     

  • Chronic stress
     

  • Lack of exercise
     

  • Sleep deprivation
     

  • Environmental pollution
     

Addressing these factors is essential for prevention.

 

Diseases Linked to Chronic Inflammation

Long-term inflammation is associated with:

  • Type 2 diabetes
     

  • Cardiovascular disease
     

  • Cancer
     

  • Autoimmune disorders
     

  • Fatty liver disease
     

  • Alzheimer’s disease
     

Early intervention reduces risk significantly.

 

How to Reduce Chronic Inflammation Naturally

1. Adopt an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Include:

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
     

  • Whole grains
     

  • Nuts and seeds
     

  • Fatty fish
     

  • Olive oil
     

Avoid processed foods and excessive sugar.

 

2. Exercise Regularly

Moderate physical activity lowers inflammatory markers.

Aim for at least 30 minutes daily.

 

3. Manage Stress

Chronic stress increases inflammatory hormones.

Practice:

  • Meditation
     

  • Yoga
     

  • Deep breathing exercises
     

 

4. Improve Sleep

7–8 hours of quality sleep supports immune regulation.

 

5. Maintain Healthy Weight

Reducing excess body fat lowers inflammation levels.

6. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol

Both habits promote inflammatory responses in the body.

 

When to Seek Medical Advice

Consult a healthcare professional if you experience:

  • Persistent fatigue
     

  • Joint swelling
     

  • Recurrent infections
     

  • Unexplained pain
     

  • Long-lasting digestive problems
     

Blood tests such as C-reactive protein (CRP) may help assess inflammation levels.

 

Chronic Inflammation in the Indian Context

Rapid urbanization, sedentary lifestyle and dietary shifts in India have contributed to increasing inflammatory-related diseases. Public awareness about preventive measures can significantly reduce healthcare burden.

Early lifestyle changes play a crucial role in improving long-term outcomes.

 

Conclusion

Chronic inflammation may present subtle symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, digestive issues and brain fog. Although often overlooked, long-term inflammation can increase the risk of serious diseases.

Adopting healthy eating habits, regular exercise, stress management and adequate sleep can help reduce inflammation naturally. Recognizing early warning signs and seeking medical advice when needed ensures better long-term health.

Taking proactive steps today can prevent major complications tomorrow.

 

References

  • Indian Council of Medical Research – Chronic Disease Reports

  • World Health Organization – Non-Communicable Disease Guidelines

  • National Institute of Nutrition India – Dietary Recommendations

  • Lancet Global Health – Inflammation Research

  • Journal of Clinical Medicine – Chronic Inflammation Studies

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