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With COVID-19 still circulating worldwide, it’s important to know what to do if you’ve been around someone who tested positive. Many people feel confused or anxious after an exposure — wondering whether to isolate, get tested, or notify others.
So, what should you do if you’ve been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19? This guide explains the steps recommended by health experts to protect yourself and those around you.
Step 1: Determine If You Were a Close Contact
The first thing to understand is whether your exposure counts as “close contact.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a close contact is defined as:
- Being within 6 feet of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period.
- Having direct physical contact (hugging, touching, or handshakes).
- Being coughed or sneezed on by the infected person.
- Sharing utensils, drinks, or personal items.
If your exposure meets these criteria, you’re considered at risk and should take precautions immediately.
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Step 2: Monitor for Symptoms
Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to watch for COVID-19 symptoms for the next 10 days after exposure. Common symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue or muscle aches
- Loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat, headache, or congestion
- Nausea or diarrhea
If any of these symptoms develop, assume you may be infected and isolate from others right away.
Step 3: Get Tested
If you were exposed, the CDC recommends getting a COVID-19 test at least 5 full days after your last exposure, even if you have no symptoms. Testing too early may produce a false negative result.
- If you test positive, isolate immediately for at least 5 days and inform close contacts.
- If you test negative but develop symptoms later, test again and continue monitoring your health.
You can use at-home rapid tests or visit a nearby testing center for more accurate results.
Step 4: Take Precautions for 10 Days
After exposure, take extra care to protect others — even if you don’t feel sick.
Wear a mask: Especially around others indoors for 10 days after exposure.
Avoid close contact: Stay away from high-risk individuals such as the elderly or immunocompromised.
Improve ventilation: Keep windows open or use air filters in shared spaces.
Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
If possible, work or study from home during this period to reduce potential spread.
Step 5: Isolate If You Test Positive
If you test positive for COVID-19, follow isolation guidelines:
- Stay home for at least 5 days from the start of symptoms or positive test date.
- You can end isolation after 5 days if symptoms are improving and you’re fever-free for 24 hours without medication.
- Continue wearing a high-quality mask around others through day 10.
If symptoms worsen or you have underlying health conditions, contact your healthcare provider.
Step 6: Notify Others
If you test positive after exposure, it’s important to notify anyone you’ve been in close contact with in the past few days. This helps prevent further transmission and allows others to take the right precautions.
So, what should you do if you’ve been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19?
In short — monitor for symptoms, get tested after 5 days, wear a mask, and avoid close contact for 10 days. If you test positive, isolate immediately and follow public health guidelines.
Taking these steps not only protects your health but also helps prevent spreading the virus to others.
