The Difference Between Isolation and Quarantine
In the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic, terms like isolation and quarantine have become part of our everyday vocabulary. While they may seem interchangeable, there are actually distinct differences between the two.
Isolation
Isolation is a term used when someone is sick and needs to be separated from others in order to avoid spreading their illness. This is typically done in a hospital or healthcare setting, but can also be done at home.
During isolation, the sick person is completely separated from others and may be placed in a private room with their own bathroom. They may also be required to wear protective gear, such as a mask or gloves, in order to prevent the spread of their illness.
Isolation is necessary for people who are infected with a highly contagious disease, such as COVID-19, in order to reduce the risk of transmission to others.
Quarantine
Quarantine is a term used when someone has been exposed to a contagious disease but has not yet developed symptoms. The purpose of quarantine is to separate this person from others for a period of time in order to prevent the spread of the disease if they do become sick.
Quarantine can be done at home or in a government-approved facility, depending on the individual circumstances. During quarantine, the person is typically asked to stay home or in their designated facility and avoid contact with others. They may also be required to monitor their symptoms and report any changes to a healthcare provider.
Quarantine is necessary for people who have been in close contact with someone who has a contagious disease, in order to prevent them from potentially spreading the disease to others.
The Bottom Line
While both isolation and quarantine involve separating individuals from others to prevent the spread of disease, the key difference lies in whether the individual is already sick or potentially exposed to the illness.
Isolation is used for people who are already sick, while quarantine is used for people who may have been exposed but are not yet showing symptoms. Understanding the differences between the two is important in order to properly protect yourself and others from infectious diseases.
Table difference between isolation and quarantine
| Isolation | Quarantine |
|---|---|
| Isolation is the separation of individuals who have been diagnosed with a contagious disease to prevent them from spreading it to others. | Quarantine is the restriction of movement of individuals who have been exposed to a contagious disease but are not yet showing symptoms to prevent them from potentially spreading it to others. |
| Isolation is typically used for individuals who have confirmed cases of contagious diseases such as COVID-19, tuberculosis, or measles. | Quarantine is typically used for individuals who have been in close contact with someone who has a confirmed case of a contagious disease. |
| Isolation can be voluntary or mandatory, depending on the severity of the disease and the potential risk to others. | Quarantine is usually mandatory and enforced by public health officials. |
| Isolation can take place in a hospital, healthcare facility, or at home depending on the level of care required. | Quarantine can take place at home or in a designated facility such as a hotel or medical facility. |
| Isolation typically lasts until the patient is no longer contagious and does not have any symptoms of the disease. | Quarantine typically lasts for 14 days, the incubation period for most contagious diseases, and may be extended if symptoms develop. |