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What to do after exposure to COVID-19

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

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Face masks prevent the spread of COVID-19
How to wear a face mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19

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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

If you have been exposed to COVID-19 or have been told by a health care provider or public health authority that you were exposed, you should take the following steps.

If you test positive, you should go into home isolation immediately, and follow guidance from your provider or local health department for how long to isolate at home.

When to Call the Doctor

You should contact your health care provider:

Call 911 or your local emergency number if you have:

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. COVID-19: Isolation and precautions for people with COVID-19. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/isolation.html. Updated August 11, 2022. Accessed January 31, 2023.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. COVID-19: What to do if you were exposed to COVID-19. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/if-you-were-exposed.html. Updated August 24, 2022. Accessed January 31, 2023.

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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.

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