If you recently had close contact with some who is diagnosed positive for the coronavirus? In that case, you are also exposed and at high risk of contracting COVID-19. But there are some ways to determine if you are carrying the virus or not. Following these simple steps can save you and others, around you from this deadly virus.
In case someone you recently met is tested positive for the virus he would tell all of his close contacts about it and go into quarantine. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges all people who are near to a COVID-19 patient to immediately isolate themselves for at least 14 days. This time should start from the last day of meeting the COVID-19 positive contact ideally.
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It is also necessary to determine who is in close contact. According to the CDC, any person from the following categories is in close contact with a COVID-19 positive patient.
- If you were within six feet of diameter around an infected patient for at least 15 minutes or more time.
- You took care of someone or attended someone during his sickness and later on he was diagnosed COVID-19 positive.
- You were in physical contact with someone who is tested positive for the virus. It includes handshake, hug, kiss, and intimate contact too.
- You were eating something or sharing utensils with a person who is now COVID-19 positive.
- Someone around you was coughing or sneezing and you suspect that the respiratory droplets have fallen on to you.
if you suspect that anyone around you might have COVID-19 and is exposing others, stay away from him. Even if he is tested negative later, it is better to be safe.
You may not need to get a COVID-19 test done if you only suspect meeting a COVID-19 patient. There are 50-50 chances of you being exposed or not exposed. But if a very close contact or any person from your office or house is exposed, it is best to get tested.
This test is mandatory even if a person doesn’t show any symptoms typically associated with COVID-19. There is plenty of scientific evidence that suggests that asymptomatic people also carry the virus and are capable of transmitting it to others.
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You don’t have to rush for a COVID-19 test. The best is to isolate and wait for the symptoms to appear. Getting a diagnostic test done at the initial stages has a high chance of a false negative report. In most cases, the symptoms take at least five days to show up. Your test will only be accurate if it is done after five days of your last contact with an infected person.
While waiting to receive the COVID-19 test report, you should stay at home and avoid going out and meeting people. It is scientifically proven that you can transmit the virus two days before when you develop any COVID-19 symptoms. In case your test report comes positive, it is your responsibility to inform everyone around you about it.
Their severe symptoms take 2 to 14 days to show up. Some people never experience extreme symptoms and get better within a few days. Note if you experience new symptoms or if your symptoms go worse, get medical help immediately.
