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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 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

  • 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.
    • 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.

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 2025. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.
Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.