What is MSSA bacteremia. How does it differ from MRSA infections. What are the symptoms of MSSA bacteremia. How is MSSA bacteremia diagnosed and treated. What are the risk factors for developing MSSA infections. How can you prevent the spread of staph bacteria.

Understanding MSSA Bacteremia: A Comprehensive Overview

MSSA bacteremia is a serious infection caused by methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bacteria entering the bloodstream. This condition can lead to severe complications and potentially life-threatening situations if left untreated. Unlike its counterpart, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), MSSA infections are generally treatable with antibiotics.

Staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as staph, is a type of bacteria that naturally resides on the skin and in the nasal passages of many individuals. While its presence is often harmless, problems arise when these bacteria breach the body’s natural defenses and enter the bloodstream.

Key Characteristics of MSSA Bacteremia

• Caused by methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus
• Can spread to other organs and tissues once in the bloodstream
• Often originates from a localized MSSA infection elsewhere in the body
• Treatable with specific antibiotics
• Requires prompt medical attention due to potential severity

Are MSSA infections always serious. While many staph infections are mild, MSSA bacteremia is considered a severe condition due to its potential for rapid spread throughout the body and the risk of organ damage. Early detection and treatment are crucial for managing this infection effectively.

Recognizing the Symptoms of MSSA Bacteremia

MSSA bacteremia often begins as a localized infection before spreading to the bloodstream. Understanding the progression of symptoms is essential for early detection and treatment.

Initial Skin Infection Symptoms

Many MSSA infections start on the skin, presenting various symptoms:

• Cellulitis: Red, painful, and swollen tissue just beneath the skin
• Impetigo: Fluid-filled blisters that burst and form yellow or brown crusts
• Abscesses: Painful, red sores under the skin, also known as boils
• Folliculitis: Pimple-like sores around hair follicles
• Staphylococcal scalded-skin syndrome (SSSS): A severe infection causing widespread skin peeling, primarily affecting infants and young children

Symptoms of Systemic Infection

Once MSSA enters the bloodstream, symptoms become more severe. The Sepsis Alliance uses the acronym TIME to describe these symptoms:

1. T: Temperature abnormalities (higher or lower than normal)
2. I: Infection signs (may include symptoms from a skin infection or other site)
3. M: Mental decline (confusion, drowsiness, or difficulty waking)
4. E: Extremely ill feeling (severe pain, discomfort, or shortness of breath)

How quickly do MSSA bacteremia symptoms develop. The progression of symptoms can vary, but once the bacteria enter the bloodstream, the condition can deteriorate rapidly. Immediate medical attention is crucial if you suspect MSSA bacteremia, especially if you have risk factors or a known staph infection.

Causes and Transmission of MSSA Infections

MSSA bacteremia occurs when methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus bacteria enter the bloodstream. Understanding the causes and transmission routes is crucial for prevention and control.

Primary Sources of MSSA Infections

• Existing colonization: Many people carry staph bacteria on their skin or in their nose without showing symptoms
• Person-to-person transmission: Direct contact with infected individuals or carriers
• Contaminated objects: MSSA can survive on surfaces like towels, pillowcases, and shared equipment
• Foodborne transmission: Improper food handling can lead to staph contamination

Can MSSA survive in harsh environments. Yes, MSSA bacteria are remarkably resilient. They can withstand stomach acid, drying, and extreme temperatures, making them capable of surviving on various surfaces for extended periods.

Transmission in Healthcare Settings

Healthcare-associated infections are a significant concern with MSSA bacteremia. Transmission can occur through:

• Contaminated medical devices
• Improper hand hygiene among healthcare workers
• Invasive procedures
• Prolonged hospital stays

How long can MSSA survive on surfaces. MSSA can survive on surfaces for days to weeks, depending on environmental conditions. This persistence highlights the importance of proper cleaning and disinfection in both healthcare and community settings.

Risk Factors for Developing MSSA Bacteremia

Several factors can increase an individual’s susceptibility to MSSA infections and subsequent bacteremia. Identifying these risk factors is crucial for prevention and early intervention.

Health Conditions Associated with Increased Risk

• Recent hospitalization
• Diabetes with insulin use
• Kidney failure requiring dialysis
• HIV/AIDS
• Weakened immune system due to illness or medications
• Organ transplant recipients
• Cancer, especially those undergoing radiation or chemotherapy
• Respiratory illnesses such as emphysema or cystic fibrosis

Medical Devices and Procedures

The presence of certain medical devices can increase the risk of MSSA infections:

• Intravascular catheters
• Urinary catheters
• Feeding tubes
• Dialysis tubing
• Breathing tubes

Why do medical devices increase the risk of MSSA infections. These devices can provide a direct pathway for bacteria to enter the body, bypassing natural defense mechanisms. Additionally, bacteria can form biofilms on these devices, making them more resistant to the body’s immune response and antibiotics.

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

• Participation in contact sports
• Living in crowded conditions
• Poor personal hygiene
• Frequent antibiotic use
• Occupational exposure (e.g., healthcare workers)

How does participation in contact sports increase MSSA infection risk. Contact sports can facilitate MSSA transmission through:
– Skin-to-skin contact
– Cuts and abrasions
– Shared equipment and facilities
– Communal showers and locker rooms

Diagnostic Approaches for MSSA Bacteremia

Accurate and timely diagnosis of MSSA bacteremia is crucial for effective treatment. Healthcare providers use a combination of physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the infection.

Physical Examination and Initial Assessment

Doctors look for several clinical signs that may indicate bacteremia:

• Low blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Signs of organ dysfunction

Laboratory Tests

Blood cultures are the primary diagnostic tool for MSSA bacteremia. These tests involve:

1. Drawing blood samples
2. Culturing the samples to identify bacterial growth
3. Performing antibiotic susceptibility testing to determine effective treatments

How long does it take to get blood culture results. Blood culture results typically take 24 to 48 hours for initial growth detection. However, final identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing may take up to 5 days.

Additional Diagnostic Procedures

Once MSSA bacteremia is confirmed, additional tests may be performed:

• Transesophageal echocardiogram to check for heart valve infections
• Imaging studies (CT, MRI) to identify potential infection sources or complications
• Wound cultures if a skin infection is suspected as the source

Comprehensive Evaluation

A thorough diagnostic approach includes:

• Identifying the source of infection
• Consulting with an infectious disease specialist
• Removing or debriding infected sites when possible
• Ordering follow-up blood cultures to monitor treatment effectiveness
• Assessing the need to remove central lines or other medical devices

Why is identifying the source of infection important. Locating the infection source helps guide treatment strategies, determines the need for additional interventions (such as abscess drainage), and aids in preventing recurrence.

Treatment Strategies for MSSA Bacteremia

Effective treatment of MSSA bacteremia requires a multifaceted approach, combining antibiotic therapy with supportive care and management of any underlying conditions or complications.

Antibiotic Therapy

Intravenous (IV) antibiotics are the cornerstone of MSSA bacteremia treatment. Common antibiotics used include:

• Cefazolin
• Daptomycin
• Nafcillin
• Oxacillin

How long does antibiotic treatment for MSSA bacteremia typically last. The duration of antibiotic therapy varies depending on the severity of the infection and the presence of complications. Generally, treatment lasts for at least 2 weeks, but may extend to 4-6 weeks or longer in cases of endocarditis or bone infections.

Supportive Care

In addition to antibiotics, supportive care measures may include:

• Intravenous fluids to maintain hydration and blood pressure
• Pain management
• Fever reduction
• Oxygen therapy if needed
• Close monitoring of vital signs and organ function

Source Control

Identifying and addressing the source of the infection is crucial for successful treatment:

• Draining abscesses
• Removing infected medical devices
• Debriding infected tissues
• Treating any underlying conditions that may have contributed to the infection

Monitoring and Follow-up

Regular monitoring is essential to ensure treatment effectiveness and detect any complications:

• Repeated blood cultures to confirm clearance of the bacteria
• Regular physical examinations
• Laboratory tests to assess organ function and inflammatory markers
• Imaging studies as needed to evaluate for metastatic infections

What factors determine the choice of antibiotic for MSSA bacteremia. The selection of antibiotics depends on several factors:
– Local antibiotic resistance patterns
– Patient allergies
– Presence of complications (e.g., endocarditis)
– Potential side effects
– Drug interactions with the patient’s other medications

Prevention Strategies for MSSA Infections

Preventing MSSA infections and subsequent bacteremia involves a combination of personal hygiene practices, environmental control measures, and healthcare-associated infection prevention strategies.

Personal Hygiene Measures

• Hand hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially:
  • Before, during, and after food preparation
  • After touching animals
  • After handling raw meat
  • After using the bathroom
• Wound care: Keep cuts, scrapes, and other wounds clean and covered with sterile, dry bandages
• Personal item hygiene: Avoid sharing personal items like towels, razors, or athletic equipment
• Proper feminine hygiene: Change tampons every 4 to 8 hours and use the lowest absorbency possible

How effective is hand hygiene in preventing MSSA infections. Proper hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of MSSA and other infections. Studies have shown that consistent hand washing can reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections by up to 50%.

Environmental Control Measures

• Regular cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces
• Proper laundering of clothing, towels, and bedding
• Maintaining good ventilation in living and working spaces
• Proper food handling and storage practices

Healthcare-Associated Infection Prevention

In healthcare settings, additional measures are crucial:

• Strict adherence to hand hygiene protocols by healthcare workers
• Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Aseptic technique during medical procedures
• Regular screening for MSSA colonization in high-risk patients
• Appropriate use of antibiotics to prevent resistance
• Proper cleaning and sterilization of medical equipment

Community-Based Prevention Strategies

• Education programs on proper hygiene and infection prevention
• Encouraging vaccination to prevent conditions that may increase susceptibility to MSSA infections
• Promoting responsible antibiotic use to prevent resistance
• Implementing infection control measures in schools, gyms, and other community settings

What role does antibiotic stewardship play in preventing MSSA infections. Antibiotic stewardship programs help prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria by:
– Ensuring appropriate antibiotic use
– Optimizing antibiotic selection and dosing
– Reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions
– Monitoring and reporting antibiotic resistance patterns

Long-Term Outlook and Management of MSSA Bacteremia

Understanding the long-term implications of MSSA bacteremia is crucial for patients and healthcare providers. While many individuals recover fully with proper treatment, some may face ongoing challenges or complications.

Recovery and Follow-up Care

The recovery process from MSSA bacteremia can vary depending on the severity of the infection and any complications that may have occurred. Key aspects of follow-up care include:

• Regular check-ups with healthcare providers
• Monitoring for signs of recurrent infection
• Completion of prescribed antibiotic courses
• Management of any residual symptoms or complications
• Rehabilitation services if needed (e.g., physical therapy)

How long does it take to fully recover from MSSA bacteremia. Recovery time can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the individual case. Factors influencing recovery include the patient’s overall health, the presence of complications, and the effectiveness of treatment.

What Is it, What Causes it, and How Is it Treated?

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What Are the Symptoms of MSSA Bacteremia?
• What Causes MSSA Bacteremia?
• What Are the Risk Factors for Developing MSSA Bacteremia?
• How Is MSSA Bacteremia Diagnosed?
• How Is MSSA Bacteremia Treated?
• How Can I Prevent MSSA Infections?
• More

The bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (staph) lives on the skin and in the nose of many people. It usually only causes a problem such as MSSA bacteremia if it gets inside the body.

Staph infections can be either methicillin-resistant staph (MRSA) or methicillin-susceptible staph (MSSA). MSSA infections are usually treatable with antibiotics. However, MRSA infections are resistant to antibiotics. Many staph infections are mild, but they can also be serious and life-threatening.

MSSA Bacteremia occurs when the MSSA bacteria enter your bloodstream. This is a serious infection that has a high risk of complications and death. Once it’s in the bloodstream, the infection often spreads to other organs and tissues within the body such as the heart, lungs, or brain. 

MSSA bacteremia often starts as an MSSA infection in another part of the body. Many staph infections start on the skin. Symptoms of skin infection can include: 

• Cellulitis: This causes red, painful, and swollen tissue just under the skin. 
• Impetigo: This causes fluid-filled blisters to form and burst, leaving behind a brown or yellow crust. 
• Abscesses: These are also called boils and are painful, red sores under the skin. 
• Folliculitis: This causes painful, pimple-like sores under the hair follicles. 
• Staphylococcal scalded-skin syndrome (SSSS): This serious infection usually affects infants and young children. It causes the skin to peel off all over the body.  

Once staph bacteria have entered the bloodstream, symptoms usually become more severe. The Sepsis Alliance uses the acronym TIME to describe the symptoms:

• T: Temperature that is either higher or lower than normal.  
• I: Infection. There may be symptoms from an MSSA skin infection or other infection. 
• M: Mental decline. People with bacteremia may be sleepy, confused, or difficult to wake up. 
• E: Extremely ill. There may be severe pain, discomfort, or shortness of breath. 

Staph bacteremia occurs when MSSA enters the bloodstream. If you develop a staph infection, it is probably from staph bacteria that you’ve been carrying around for a while. Staph bacteria can also be spread from person to person.  

MSSA will survive on objects like pillowcases and towels long enough to infect the next person who touches them. It can also survive stomach acid, drying, and extreme temperatures.  

Several circumstances can increase your risk of developing MSSA infections.

Health conditions: 

• Recent hospitalization
• Diabetes with insulin use
• Kidney failure requiring dialysis 
• HIV/AIDS
• Weakened immune system from illness or medication
• Transplant
• Cancer, especially with radiation or chemotherapy
• Respiratory illness such as emphysema or cystic fibrosis

Medical devices:

• Intravascular catheters 
• Urinary catheters
• Feeding tubes
• Dialysis tubing 
• Breathing tubes

Contact sports. Staph bacteria can spread in several ways through contact sports, including:

• Cuts and abrasions
• Skin-to-skin contact
• Shared razors
• Shared towels and uniforms
• Shared equipment

Unsanitary food preparation. Staph bacteria can be spread to food if the preparer doesn’t wash their hands. Food that is contaminated with staph looks and smells normal. 

Bacteremia is diagnosed with physical findings including: 

• Low blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Fever
• Difficulty breathing

Doctors will also perform lab tests such as blood cultures to determine whether the bacteremia is caused by MSSA or another type of bacteria or virus. 

When a blood culture tests positive for MSSA bacteremia, a doctor will perform an initial evaluation that may include: 

• Assessment identifying the source of infection
• Consulting with an infectious disease specialist
• Eliminating or debriding (remove damaged tissue) sites of infection
• Ordering follow-up blood cultures in 2 to 4 days
• Considering a transesophageal echocardiogram to check heart status
• Removing any central lines, a type of catheter placed in a large vein, if possible

Intravenous (IV) antibiotics are given to fight the infection. These antibiotics may include: 

• Cefazolin
• Daptomycin
• Nafcillin
• Oxacillin

Further treatment may be needed, depending on how the bacteremia responds. 

You can use the following precautions to help prevent the spread of staph bacteria.  

Wash your hands. Using soap and water, wash your hands thoroughly before, during, and after making food, after touching animals, after handling raw meat, and after using the bathroom.

Change tampons often. Tampons can provide a breeding ground for staph. Use the lowest absorbency possible and change tampons every 4 to 8 hours. 

Keep wounds covered. Use sterile, dry bandages to cover cuts and abrasions. Pus from sores contains staph bacteria. Covering cuts will keep it from spreading. 

Follow food safety precautions. Handle and store food safely and clean up counters and cutting boards with soap and water. 

Use the hot setting. Wash clothing and bedding in hot water. Use bleach on those materials that are bleach-safe. 

Personal means personal. Don’t share personal items. Keep your towels, sheets, razors, and other personal items separate from others since staph can spread on objects. 

Top Picks

What Is it, What Causes it, and How Is it Treated?

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What Are the Symptoms of MSSA Bacteremia?
• What Causes MSSA Bacteremia?
• What Are the Risk Factors for Developing MSSA Bacteremia?
• How Is MSSA Bacteremia Diagnosed?
• How Is MSSA Bacteremia Treated?
• How Can I Prevent MSSA Infections?
• More

The bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (staph) lives on the skin and in the nose of many people. It usually only causes a problem such as MSSA bacteremia if it gets inside the body.

Staph infections can be either methicillin-resistant staph (MRSA) or methicillin-susceptible staph (MSSA). MSSA infections are usually treatable with antibiotics. However, MRSA infections are resistant to antibiotics. Many staph infections are mild, but they can also be serious and life-threatening.

MSSA Bacteremia occurs when the MSSA bacteria enter your bloodstream. This is a serious infection that has a high risk of complications and death. Once it’s in the bloodstream, the infection often spreads to other organs and tissues within the body such as the heart, lungs, or brain. 

MSSA bacteremia often starts as an MSSA infection in another part of the body. Many staph infections start on the skin. Symptoms of skin infection can include: 

• Cellulitis: This causes red, painful, and swollen tissue just under the skin. 
• Impetigo: This causes fluid-filled blisters to form and burst, leaving behind a brown or yellow crust.  
• Abscesses: These are also called boils and are painful, red sores under the skin. 
• Folliculitis: This causes painful, pimple-like sores under the hair follicles. 
• Staphylococcal scalded-skin syndrome (SSSS): This serious infection usually affects infants and young children. It causes the skin to peel off all over the body.  

Once staph bacteria have entered the bloodstream, symptoms usually become more severe. The Sepsis Alliance uses the acronym TIME to describe the symptoms:

• T: Temperature that is either higher or lower than normal. 
• I: Infection. There may be symptoms from an MSSA skin infection or other infection. 
• M: Mental decline. People with bacteremia may be sleepy, confused, or difficult to wake up. 
• E: Extremely ill. There may be severe pain, discomfort, or shortness of breath. 

Staph bacteremia occurs when MSSA enters the bloodstream. If you develop a staph infection, it is probably from staph bacteria that you’ve been carrying around for a while. Staph bacteria can also be spread from person to person.  

MSSA will survive on objects like pillowcases and towels long enough to infect the next person who touches them. It can also survive stomach acid, drying, and extreme temperatures.  

Several circumstances can increase your risk of developing MSSA infections.

Health conditions: 

• Recent hospitalization
• Diabetes with insulin use
• Kidney failure requiring dialysis 
• HIV/AIDS
• Weakened immune system from illness or medication
• Transplant
• Cancer, especially with radiation or chemotherapy
• Respiratory illness such as emphysema or cystic fibrosis

Medical devices:

• Intravascular catheters 
• Urinary catheters
• Feeding tubes
• Dialysis tubing 
• Breathing tubes

Contact sports. Staph bacteria can spread in several ways through contact sports, including:

• Cuts and abrasions
• Skin-to-skin contact
• Shared razors
• Shared towels and uniforms
• Shared equipment

Unsanitary food preparation. Staph bacteria can be spread to food if the preparer doesn’t wash their hands. Food that is contaminated with staph looks and smells normal. 

Bacteremia is diagnosed with physical findings including: 

• Low blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Fever
• Difficulty breathing

Doctors will also perform lab tests such as blood cultures to determine whether the bacteremia is caused by MSSA or another type of bacteria or virus. 

When a blood culture tests positive for MSSA bacteremia, a doctor will perform an initial evaluation that may include: 

• Assessment identifying the source of infection
• Consulting with an infectious disease specialist
• Eliminating or debriding (remove damaged tissue) sites of infection
• Ordering follow-up blood cultures in 2 to 4 days
• Considering a transesophageal echocardiogram to check heart status
• Removing any central lines, a type of catheter placed in a large vein, if possible

Intravenous (IV) antibiotics are given to fight the infection. These antibiotics may include: 

• Cefazolin
• Daptomycin
• Nafcillin
• Oxacillin

Further treatment may be needed, depending on how the bacteremia responds. 

You can use the following precautions to help prevent the spread of staph bacteria.  

Wash your hands. Using soap and water, wash your hands thoroughly before, during, and after making food, after touching animals, after handling raw meat, and after using the bathroom.

Change tampons often. Tampons can provide a breeding ground for staph. Use the lowest absorbency possible and change tampons every 4 to 8 hours. 

Keep wounds covered. Use sterile, dry bandages to cover cuts and abrasions. Pus from sores contains staph bacteria. Covering cuts will keep it from spreading. 

Follow food safety precautions. Handle and store food safely and clean up counters and cutting boards with soap and water. 

Use the hot setting. Wash clothing and bedding in hot water. Use bleach on those materials that are bleach-safe. 

Personal means personal. Don’t share personal items. Keep your towels, sheets, razors, and other personal items separate from others since staph can spread on objects. 

Top Picks

The doctor told how long a person with “omicron” remains contagious

https://ria.ru/20220201/zaraznost-1770398844.html

“omicron” – RIA Novosti, 01. 02.2022

When a patient with “omicron” ceases to be contagious

In some cases, the PCR test shows a negative result, even if the person has symptoms of infection with “omicron”. Is it worth it to limit contacts RIA Novosti, 01.02.2022

2022-02-01T02:08

2022-02-01T02:08

2022-02-01T03:14

coronavirus spread

society

90 002 health – society

coronavirus covid-19

evgeniy timakov

omicron strain of coronavirus

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MOSCOW, February 1 – RIA Novosti. In some cases, the PCR test shows a negative result, even if the person has symptoms of infection with “omicron”. Is it worth it to limit contacts with other people at the same time, infectious disease specialist Yevgeny Timakov said in an interview with Sputnik radio. -Medicine” Evgeny Timakov. According to him, a negative PCR test result can be explained not only by the absence of coronavirus in the body. For example, this happens when an insufficient amount of material is taken as a sample for research, or when the pathogen has time to leave the nasopharynx and move on. “If a person has a negative test and all signs of the disease, it may be that the analysis was taken incorrectly: or on the wrong day, or not enough material. The Omicron strain can very quickly leave the nasopharynx and not be detected by tests,” Timakov said. The infectious disease specialist advises limiting contact with other people when symptoms of infection appear, even if the analysis shows a negative result. How long to follow safety measures depends on the severity of the disease and on the characteristics of the strain of coronavirus that caused it. “It happens differently for everyone. With previous strains, from ten days to three weeks, a person was contagious, depending on the severity of the condition “And in children, the virus in an active form was isolated from the intestines for more than a month. I have not seen these studies on Omicron yet,” Timakov added. So far, it is clear that active virus shedding with the Omicron strain occurs during the incubation period. The average incubation period is two to three days, respectively, in seven days it will become clear whether a person has a coronavirus or not, “Evgeny Timakov said in an interview with radio Sputnik. To make it easier to endure the disease, you need to be vaccinated, he concluded.

https://radiosputnik.ria.ru/20220131/omikron-1770387630.html

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coronavirus spread, society, health – society, covid-19 coronavirus, evgeny timakov, omicron-strain of coronavirus

Spread of Coronavirus, Society, Health – Society, Coronavirus COVID-19, Evgeny Timakov, Omicron-strain of coronavirus

MOSCOW, February 1 – RIA Novosti. In some cases, the PCR test shows a negative result even if the person has symptoms of omicron infection. Is it worth it to limit contacts with other people, infectious disease doctor Yevgeny Timakov said in an interview with Sputnik radio.

If a person has symptoms of COVID-19, it means that he can transmit the virus to others, said Yevgeny Timakov, infectious disease specialist, vaccinologist, head physician of the Leader-Medicina medical center. According to him, a negative PCR test result can be explained not only by the absence of coronavirus in the body. For example, this happens when an insufficient amount of material is taken as a sample for research, or when the pathogen has time to leave the nasopharynx and move on.

«

“If a person has a negative test and all signs of the disease, it may be that the analysis was taken incorrectly: either on the wrong day, or an insufficient amount of material. The Omicron strain can very quickly leave the nasopharynx and not be detected with tests,” Timakov said.

The infectious disease specialist advises to limit contact with other people when symptoms of infection appear, even if the test shows a negative result. How long to observe safety measures depends on the severity of the disease, and on the characteristics of the strain of coronavirus that caused it.

“This happens differently for everyone. With previous strains, from ten days to three weeks, a person was contagious, depending on the severity of the condition. And in children, the virus was excreted from the intestines in an active form for more than a month. I used these studies on Omicron I haven’t seen it yet,” Timakov added.

In the case of infection with “omicron”, the most active isolation of the virus occurs during the incubation period, the infectious disease specialist continued.

“So far, it is clear that active virus shedding in the Omicron strain occurs during the incubation period. The average incubation period is two to three days, respectively, in seven days it will become clear whether a person has a coronavirus or not,” said Evgeny Timakov in an interview with Sputnik radio.

To make it easier to bear the disease, you need to get vaccinated, he concluded.

Symptoms of “omicron” that do not disappear with recovery are named must remain in quarantine for seven days. If during this time recovery occurs (the symptoms of the disease disappear), the sick leave is closed and the person is allowed to leave self-isolation without conducting a control PCR test. However, recent studies have confirmed that in some cases a person is still contagious seven days after the onset of symptoms.

A team at Imperial College London examined patients with mild COVID-19 to assess how long they remain a source of infection to others. The results of the work, the researchers published in The Lancet

Only in one in five cases, an infected person began to shed the virus before the onset of symptoms of the disease. But with the onset of symptoms, a person became a spreader of infection, and the peak of the number of isolated viruses fell on the third day of the disease. The average duration of contagiousness was 5 days (from 3 to 7 days in most cases). At the same time, two out of three cases were still contagious five days after the onset of symptoms, and one in four remained a source of infection seven days after the onset of the first signs of the disease.

Scientists noted that the tests do not reliably determine the onset of infection, but can be used to safely shorten the period of self-isolation.

Based on the results of the study, the authors recommend isolating people with COVID-19 for at least five days after the onset of symptoms and testing from the sixth day. If the tests give a negative result two days in a row, you can safely leave the isolation. If a person still tests positive, they must remain in isolation, but on the 10th day after the onset of symptoms, quarantine may be ended.

The current advice from the NHS (regulator in the UK) is more lenient than in Russia – Britons should stay at home and avoid contact with other people for only five days.