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
- Testing is widely available at doctor’s offices, retail clinics, drug stores and urgent care centers.
- 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 and Booster Shots:
- 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 and boosters are now available for people age 6 months and older.
- Get a COVID-19 vaccine and booster(s). It could save your life and protect your family.
- 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 and booster(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.
- Wear a mask when entering any public building or crowded outdoor area.
- 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.
- 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 if:
- 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.
- You must be around someone who has symptoms of COVID-19 or has tested positive for COVID-19.
- 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.