Definition

Isolation y quarantine are two terms related to the control and prevention of infectious diseases. Both measures aim to prevent the spread of a disease, but they apply in different situations.

Isolation

El isolation It is applied when a person is already sick. The idea is to separate to the person infected with others to prevent the spread of the disease. Isolation may be voluntary if the sick person is aware of his or her condition and decides to isolate himself, or it may be mandatory if it is imposed by law or medical order. Isolation can be In the home or in a hospital, depending on the severity of the illness.

It is important to note that isolation applies only to the sick person and not to healthy people who have been in contact with them. For these people, quarantine applies.

Examples of diseases that require isolation

• Tuberculosis
• Measles
• Chickenpox
• ebola

Quarantine

La quarantine It applies to healthy people who have been in contact with someone who has contracted an infectious disease and who may be incubating the disease without knowing it. The goal of quarantine is to prevent the spread of the disease in case these people become infected.

Quarantine can be voluntary, if people decide to isolate themselves preventively, or it can be mandatory, if it is imposed by law or by medical order. During quarantine, people should stay at home or a designated location and avoid contact with other people.

Examples of diseases that require quarantine

• COVID-19
• ebola
• Avian flu

Conclusions

In summary, isolation and quarantine are two important measures to control and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Isolation applies to sick people, while quarantine applies to healthy people who may be at risk of contagion. Both measures are essential to protect public health and prevent epidemics.