Site Map

What to do after exposure to COVID-19

COVID-19 exposure; COVID-19 exposure - what to do

Images

I Would Like to Learn About:

Description

If 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.

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. These include wearing a well-fitting face mask, frequent hand washing, and maintaining a 6 foot (2 meter) distance from others, especially when indoors.

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.

If you do get COVID-19, learn what to do when you are sick.

When 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 illnesses: respiratory virus guidance. www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/guidance/index.html. Updated March 1, 2024. Accessed December 24, 2024.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. COVID-19: about COVID- 19. www.cdc.gov/covid/about/index.html. Updated June13, 2024. Accessed December 21, 2024.

BACK TO TOP

Review Date: 1/1/2025  

Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor Emeritus, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Health Content Provider 06/01/2025

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics. This site complied with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information from 1995 to 2022, after which HON (Health On the Net, a not-for-profit organization that promoted transparent and reliable health information online) was discontinued.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2025 A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.