COVID-19 Exposure, But No Symptoms

When to Call for COVID-19 Exposure, But No Symptoms

Care Advice

COVID-19 Exposure, But No Symptoms

Exposure and No Symptoms - Overview:

• Although you may have been exposed to COVID-19, you do not currently have any symptoms. COVID-19 symptoms start within 10 days after the last exposure.
• If it's been less than 10 days, you are still at risk for coming down with COVID-19.
• You need to watch for symptoms until 10 days have passed from last exposure.
• While you do not need to stay home, take extra caution for the next 5 days. Wash hands more often and limit close contact with others (CDC March 2024). Try to avoid all contact with people at high risk for complications. That includes children less than 2 years, the elderly and people with chronic diseases (CDC).

You Do Not Need to See Your Doctor

• Your child does not have any symptoms. Exposed people don't need to see a doctor.
• If your child becomes sick and develops more than mild symptoms, you may need to get a COVID-19 test or see your doctor.
• You can find the answers to most of your questions here or online.

COVID-19 Testing: Who Needs It

• Home self-test kits are easy to get at many grocery and drug stores.
• Most doctor's offices, retail clinics and urgent care centers also offer testing.
• Diagnostic tests are performed on nasal or mouth secretions. The tests can tell us if you have a COVID-19 infection now. Timing is important on when to do this test:
• With Symptoms. Get a test within 3 days of onset of symptoms.
• Without Symptoms. If you continue with no symptoms, get tested on day 5. That means 5 days after your last close contact with an infected person.
• If you have testing questions, call your doctor during office hours.

Self-Monitor for COVID-19 Symptoms

• The most common symptoms are sore throat, cough, headache and fever. Some patients progress to shortness of breath (trouble breathing).
• Other common symptoms are chills, shivering (shaking), runny nose, muscle pain, fatigue (tiredness) and loss of smell or taste.
• Less common symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
• If any of these symptoms occur, get a COVID-19 test or follow the CDC advice. They recommend staying home until:
• no fever for 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medicines
• symptoms are mild and improving
• Early detection of symptoms and staying home when sick are the best ways to reduce spread of the disease.

Call Your Doctor If:

• You want your doctor to perform a COVID-19 test
• You think your child needs to be seen
• You have other questions or concerns

COVID-19 Prevention

COVID-19 Vaccine - Get Your COVID-19 Shot(s):

• Stay current with your COVID-19 shot(s). Vaccines have saved more lives than any other public health action. They are the most powerful weapon we have against deadly infectious diseases. Follow the science.
• Safe and effective vaccines are now available for people age 6 months and older.
• Get a COVID-19 vaccine(s). It could save your life and protect your family. To see if you are current with your vaccine(s), check the CDC website.
• Vaccine Sites: find a nearby vaccine site at vaccines.gov or call your doctor's office.

COVID-19 - How to Protect Yourself and Family from Catching It - The Basics:

• Get the COVID-19 vaccine(s) when eligible. It is your best protection against this serious infection.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Consider wearing a face mask when community spread is high.
• Wash hands often with soap and water (very important). Always do this before you eat.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if water is not available. Remember: soap and water work better.
• Don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth unless your hands are clean. Germs on the hands can get into your body this way.
• Don't share glasses, plates or eating utensils.

Social (Safe) Distancing and COVID-19 Prevention:

• Avoid close contact with people known to have COVID-19 infection.
• Social Distancing: try to stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from anyone who is sick, especially if they are coughing.

Face Masks and COVID-19 Prevention:

• Overview: face masks help reduce the spread of COVID-19 (and influenza). Reason: people with COVID-19 can have no symptoms, but still spread the virus. You should also wear a mask if you have to be around someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
• Sick people should always wear a face mask, if you are around other people or need to leave the home. Example: for medical visits. Exception: patients with trouble breathing in a mask (CDC). Consider a loose face covering, such as a bandana.
• Well people can consider wearing a mask when COVID spread is high.
• Age Limits: face coverings are not recommended for children less than 2 years (CDC).

Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.