CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — With most kids having been back in school for a few weeks now, this is usually the time more of them are getting sick, and while nationally, flu and RSV cases are low, the CDC says COVID-19 is elevated in most areas.

But without mandates when it comes to COVID-19, people are getting different advice about what to do when they are sick.

“So, the recommendations right now are different for the community versus health care workers,” said VDH Epidemiologist Lisa Engle. “For the community, the guidelines are very relaxed.”

Engle explained that the general rule is to stay home until you’re fever free for 24 hours with improving symptoms. If you don’t get a fever you can go to work or school 24 hours after your symptoms have improved. Then, wear a mask for the next five days.

For health care workers it’s more complicated. “The guideline really is saying that you should stay out for seven days for a health care worker — for seven days and be free of symptoms for at least 24 hours, and there’s a negative test,” Engle said.

The severity of your illness and how your own immune system works can then change the rules, extending that time.

Now, consider sick leave policies and the potential for lost pay and people are not necessarily following any of it.

“Honestly, what I see happening is health care workers not want to test.” Engle said.

If you don’t want to test, the least anyone can do is wear a mask, she said.

“OK, I know there’s a lot of controversy about these masks,” Engle said. “I’ve heard it. I’ve heard everything. I know they work. I know because of outbreaks I’ve dealt with I know they work.”

When a mask is on, respiratory droplets aren’t flying around when you cough or sneeze. That’s how the virus spreads.

If you have to go to work, Engle recommends you stay behind a closed door or plexiglass and away from other people, because even if you feel OK with COVID, they may not.

“If you were sick right now, would you be coughing on a baby that came into the room or your husband or a child or your grandma? Would you? I don’t think you would,” she said.

Two other things Engle said help stop the spread and how you feel — Paxlovid and the COVID-19 vaccine.

If you catch your symptoms within the first day or two, your doctor can give you Paxlovid, which cuts the severity of symptoms.

The vaccine offers no guarantee you won’t get COVID-19, but those who get the shot usually have fewer symptoms if they do get it.