What to do after exposure to COVID-19
COVID-19 exposure; COVID-19 exposure - what to doIf 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.
COVID-19
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that causes fever, coughing, and shortness of breath, but many other symptoms can occur....
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.
Symptoms
COVID-19 is a highly infectious respiratory illness caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to severe. Symptoms m...
Protect yourself and others
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a serious disease, mainly of the respiratory system, affecting many people around the globe. It can cause mil...
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.
COVID-19 vaccine
COVID-19 vaccines are used to prepare the body's immune system to protect against COVID-19. Everyone ages 6 months and older should get a 2023-2024 u...
If you do get COVID-19, learn what to do when you are sick.
Learn what to do when you are sick
Staying at home when you have COVID-19 helps protect other people who are not infected with the virus. You should stay at home and away from other p...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleWhen 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
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Respiratory guidance. www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/guidance/respiratory-virus-guidance.html. Updated March 1, 2024. Accessed April 19, 2024.-
Face masks prevent the spread of COVID-19 - illustration
Using face masks correctly in public settings helps reduce the spread of COVID-19. COVID-19 spreads to people within close contact via small droplets sprayed into the air by someone with the disease who coughs, sneezes, sings, talks, or breathes. Wearing face masks or cloth face coverings 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 COVID-19. For masks to work, they have to be worn properly. Choose a mask with two or more layers 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 COVID-19. COVID-19 spreads to people within close contact via small droplets sprayed into the air by someone with the disease who coughs, sneezes, sings, talks, or breathes. Wearing face masks or cloth face coverings 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 COVID-19. For masks to work, they have to be worn properly. Choose a mask with two or more layers 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
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.
All rights reserved.