What to do after exposure to COVID-19

COVID-19 exposure; COVID-19 exposure - what to do

If you have been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19, you can spread the virus even if you don't show any symptoms. It is important to take precautions to protect others from the virus. You should take these steps whether you are vaccinated or not and even if you have had COVID-19 in the past.

Take Precautions Right Away

You can spread COVID-19 before you show symptoms. Some people with the illness never have symptoms, but can still spread the disease. However, there are ways to protect yourself and others from getting COVID-19.

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, get an updated COVID-19 vaccine. Being vaccinated helps protect you from getting and spreading COVID-19. Being vaccinated can also help protect you from serious illness if you do get the virus.

If you do get COVID-19, learn what to do when you are sick.

When to Call the Doctor

You should contact your health care provider:

If you have symptoms and think you may have been exposed to COVID-19
If you have COVID-19 and your symptoms are getting worse

Call 911 or your local emergency number if you have:

Trouble breathing
Chest pain or pressure
Confusion or inability to wake up
Gray, blue, or pale lips or face
Any other symptoms that are severe or concern you

Open References

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Respiratory virus guidance. www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/guidance/. Updated March 1, 2024. Accessed August 14, 2024.

Face masks prevent the spread of COVID-19 - illustration
Using face masks correctly in public settings helps reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. These viruses spread to people within close contact via small droplets sprayed into the air by someone with the virus who coughs, sneezes, sings, talks, or breathes. Wearing face masks that cover the nose, mouth, and chin and fit snuggly across your cheeks helps reduce the spray of respiratory droplets from the nose and mouth. Wearing a face mask may also protect you from infection.
Face masks prevent the spread of COVID-19
illustration
How to wear a face mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19 - illustration
Wearing well-fitting face masks helps prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. For masks to work, they have to be worn properly. Choose the most protective mask mask you can comfortable wear for an extended time that completely covers your mouth and nose and fits snugly against the sides of your face, leaving no gaps. Do not wear a mask that is too loose on the sides. Do not pull the mask low on your nose, below your nose, or below your mouth or chin. Do not leave your chin or your mouth exposed or dangle the mask from one ear. Do not wear the mask in any other way that does not entirely cover your mouth and nose. Wash your hands before and after wearing the mask and use only the loops of the mask to put it on and take it off. Do not touch the front of the mask while wearing it. If you use a cloth mask, wash it and dry it daily and keep it in a clean, dry place.
How to wear a face mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19
illustration

Face masks prevent the spread of COVID-19 - illustration
Using face masks correctly in public settings helps reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. These viruses spread to people within close contact via small droplets sprayed into the air by someone with the virus who coughs, sneezes, sings, talks, or breathes. Wearing face masks that cover the nose, mouth, and chin and fit snuggly across your cheeks helps reduce the spray of respiratory droplets from the nose and mouth. Wearing a face mask may also protect you from infection.
Face masks prevent the spread of COVID-19
illustration
How to wear a face mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19 - illustration
Wearing well-fitting face masks helps prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. For masks to work, they have to be worn properly. Choose the most protective mask mask you can comfortable wear for an extended time that completely covers your mouth and nose and fits snugly against the sides of your face, leaving no gaps. Do not wear a mask that is too loose on the sides. Do not pull the mask low on your nose, below your nose, or below your mouth or chin. Do not leave your chin or your mouth exposed or dangle the mask from one ear. Do not wear the mask in any other way that does not entirely cover your mouth and nose. Wash your hands before and after wearing the mask and use only the loops of the mask to put it on and take it off. Do not touch the front of the mask while wearing it. If you use a cloth mask, wash it and dry it daily and keep it in a clean, dry place.
How to wear a face mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19
illustration

A Closer Look

Self Care

Tests for What to do after exposure to COVID-19

Review Date: 2/22/2023

Reviewed By: Frank D. Brodkey, MD, FCCM, Associate Professor, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Editorial update 04/26/2024.

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What to do after exposure to COVID-19

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Take Precautions Right Away

Symptoms

Protect yourself and others

COVID-19 vaccine

Learn what to do when you are sick