COVID-19 Exposure AND You Have NO Symptoms

Exposure and NO Symptoms – Overview

• Although you may have been or were 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.

You Do Not Need to See Your Doctor

• You or your child do not have any symptoms. Exposed people don’t need to see a doctor.
• If you or your child become sick and develop more than mild symptoms, you may need to get a COVID-19 test or see your doctor

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 offer testing.
• For questions about testing, call your doctor during office hours.
• 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.
• If you have testing questions, call your doctor during office hours.

Call Your Doctor If:

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

Author: Barton Schmitt, MD, FAAP
Copyright: Copyright 2024. Updated 2/10/2024.
Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.