News from the FDA/CDC

COVID-19–positive or exposed? What to do next


 

When should the person who has been exposed get tested?

After the exposure, ‘’you should probably wait 2-3 days,” Dr. Offit said. “The virus has to reproduce itself.”

Testing should be done by those exposed at least once, Dr. Adalja said.

“But there’s data to support daily testing to guide their activities, but this is not CDC guidance. Home tests are sufficient for this purpose.”

At what point can the infected person mingle safely with others?

“Technically, if asymptomatic, 10 days without a mask, 5 days with a mask,” said Dr. Adalja. “I think this could also be guided with home test negativity being a gauge [as to whether to mingle].”

A version of this article first appeared on WebMD.com.

Pages

Recommended Reading

New studies suggest Omicron infections are less severe than Delta ones
Covid ICYMI
FDA OKs emergency use of Merck pill for COVID-19
Covid ICYMI
Remdesivir may keep unvaccinated out of the hospital: Study
Covid ICYMI
COVID booster protection may wane in about 10 weeks, new data show
Covid ICYMI
COVID-19 vaccinations in people with HIV reflect general rates despite higher mortality risk, study says
Covid ICYMI
COVID-19–associated ocular mucormycosis outbreak case study reveals high-risk group for deadly complication
Covid ICYMI
Most cancer patients with breakthrough COVID-19 infection experience severe outcomes
Covid ICYMI
Children and COVID: Nearly 200,000 new cases reported in 1 week
Covid ICYMI
Coronavirus can spread to heart, brain days after infection
Covid ICYMI
COVID-19 antigen tests may be less sensitive to Omicron: FDA
Covid ICYMI