COVID-19 Exposure, But No Symptoms

When To Call

Self-Monitor

• Close contact with COVID-19 patient within last 10 days, BUT No symptoms

Self Care at Home

• Close contact with COVID-19 patient more than 10 days ago AND NO cough, fever or trouble breathing.
• COVID-19 exposure, BUT no symptoms: home care instructions
• COVID-19 testing, questions about
• COVID-19 prevention, questions about

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.
• Since 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.
• Stay at home and follow this medical advice.

You Do Not Need to See Your Doctor

• Your child does not have any symptoms. Exposed people don't need to see a doctor.
• You do need to get a COVID-19 test. See Testing section below.
• If your child becomes sick and develops more than mild symptoms, you may need to 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 and a COVID-19 close contact. Get a test on day 5 after the last day of exposure.
• 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.
• Early detection of symptoms and home isolation are the only ways to reduce spread of the disease.

Home Quarantine is Not Needed for Those Exposed and Have NO Symptoms

• Wear a mask around others for 10 days.
• If no symptoms, get tested on day 5 after the last close contact with an infected person. If positive, will need to start Home isolation.
• Children less than 2 years: stay at home for a full 10 days. Reason: they don't wear masks.
• Quarantine Questions for Your Doctor:
• Home quarantine can be complicated. A parent may need to return to work. Someone in the household may be elderly or have a serious medical problem.
• If you have additional questions, call your doctor during office hours. Your doctor is the best resource for up-to-date information on COVID-19.

Day 10 or Later After Close Contact and No Symptoms:

• The COVID-19 infection starts within 14 days of an exposure.
• If the exposed person has no symptoms of respiratory infection (such as fever or cough) during the 10 days after an exposure, they should be safe from getting COVID-19 from this exposure.

Call Your Doctor If:

• Fever occurs
• Cough or trouble breathing occurs
• Other symptoms of COVID-19 occur
• 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.
• Don't shake hands. Greet others with a smile and a nod.

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. Avoid crowds, because you can't tell who might be sick.
• If COVID-19 becomes widespread in your community, try to stay 6 feet (2 meters) away from everyone outside your family unit.

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 should still consider wearing a mask when COVID spread is high:
• You are in indoor public spaces (such as a church or a grocery store).
• You are in a crowded outdoor setting (e.g., concert, music festival, rally).
• You are traveling on a plane, bus, train, or other form of public transit.
• You are in a transportation hub such as an airport or train station.
• Age Limits: face coverings are not recommended for children less than 2 years (CDC).

Keep Your Mind and Body Strong:

• Get your body ready to fight the COVID-19 virus.
• Get enough sleep (very important).
• Keep your heart strong. Walk or exercise every day. Take the stairs. Caution: avoid physical exhaustion.
• Think positive thoughts.
• Stay well-hydrated.
• Eat healthy meals. Avoid overeating to deal with your fears.
• Avoid the over-use of anti-fever medicines. Fever fights infections and ramps up your immune system.

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